…Calls for Compassion and Justice
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fr. Calistus Onaga, has called on Christians to embody the values of love, humility, and service to others, especially during the Christmas season.
In his message, Bishop Onaga emphasized that Christmas is a time to reach out to the less privileged and to spread joy to those in need.
Bishop Onaga reminded Christians that Jesus Christ came into the world to bring hope and salvation to humanity, and that His birth is a reminder of God’s immense love for us.
He urged Christians to emulate Jesus’ humility and to prioritize the needs of others above their own.
The Bishop also spoke about the importance of family and community, emphasizing that they are the foundation of a healthy society.
He encouraged Christians to strengthen their relationships with their loved ones and to work towards building a more compassionate and just world.
Furthermore, Bishop Onaga lamented the commercialization of Christmas and urged Christians to focus on the true meaning of the season.
He reminded them that Jesus is the reason for Christmas and that His message of love and redemption should be at the forefront of their celebrations.
Calling on Christians to emulate Christ and do good, Bishop Onaga said, “You don’t need to be born a prince in order to save. You can save human beings, bring succour and happiness to human beings..
“These things are very symbolic. The blind see, they see the truth. The deaf hear again. People who died were raised up. Above all, the good news was preached to the people. Good news of love.Good news of redemption
“So my dear brothers and sisters in Nigeria, let us take these things that symbolise the personality of Jesus Christ. Giving people light.; Making people to hear better. Giving them the good news of hope.These are the things we should preach
“So, as you are eating your rice and taking your cake and taking your shawarma, remember there are people who cannot even take good drink, today, make effort to go and feed them.
“There are old people who have been left by their probably rich children.If they are around you, try to show them some kind of love
“Remember that Jesus Christ whom we are celebrating was a poor human being.Though a very rich God. So, in that circumstance, do something to keep that day a very happy day
”For those who are governing us, we are begging you. Every year we continue to talk about the bad situation. We are pleading.. I will be very slow in saying that this year’s Christmas, economically, is better than that of last year. But please, make effort to make sure that that of next year will be better.
Bishop Onaga’s message was not limited to spiritual guidance; he also addressed the pressing issues facing Nigeria, including poverty, insecurity, and inequality.
He called on leaders to prioritize the welfare of their citizens and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
“I wish everybody a peaceful and joyous Christmas”, he concluded.
The Bishop’s message was a timely reminder of the importance of living out one’s faith in practical ways. As Christians celebrate Christmas, they are reminded to embody the values of love, humility, and service to others.
