The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, has said that fasting can only become successful when sin, rudeness and all evil are conquered.
Abegunrin said this in a Lent’s message on Ash Wednesday in Ibadan.
He described fasting as a training and school, which should make an individual a better person and follower of Christ.
He further remarked that “the fasting that can be condemned is the one that seeks only the individual’s pride, pleasure or oppression of others”.
Abegunrin urged Nigerians, especially those observing fasting during the lent to desist from complaining so they would not lose all the graces attached to their fasting.
“It is to be noted that those who are above 60 years may not fast but we know that there were some who have grown so used to it, such that even at 80 they are still fasting. That’s a special grace.
“Also, those who are below 16 years may not fast, which is why parents should not force their children in the bid to save money or food, that will not be a good approach to fasting.
“Rather than force any child, make them understand the meaning of fasting in the church, that if you fast, it is because you want to give yourself to God totally.
“You do not fast to save money or resources. Whatever you have kept due to fasting should go to the poor.
“Prayer must go along with fasting because failure to do so is to fall into temptation and we need to overcome temptations at this time,” the cleric said.
According to him, those who fast are not to blow their trumpet when fasting.
He, however, urged those who could not fast to participate in the Lenten journey by making amendments where necessary, giving alms to the poor and praying.
“Let us pray that this season will bring us joy, peace and eradicate anger, hate, difficulties and all kinds of evil.
“We pray that our joint effort in reconciliation, fasting and prayer will remove all forms of fighting and war, thus restoring peace and so we live as God’s children,” Abegunrin said. (NAN)
