Christians have been advised to remain faithful to God and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ, irrespective of the pressures and challenges of life.
A Catholic priest at Stella Maris Catholic Church, GRA, Onitsha, Reverend Father John Ezeanowai, gave the advice in his homily to mark the Solemnity of All Saints.
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Reverend Father Ezeanowai said the saints celebrated by the Catholic Church were ordinary people who faced the same temptations, difficulties and struggles confronting Christians today but remained committed to their faith.
He said the Beatitudes taught by Jesus Christ provide Christians with a clear path to holiness and eternal life, urging the faithful to embrace humility, mercy, righteousness, peace and perseverance in doing what is right.
The priest cautioned Christians against allowing the comforts and attractions of the world to draw them away from God, stressing that choosing worldly pleasures over faith could make them lose sight of the promise of eternal life.
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He noted that the saints came from different nations, races and backgrounds, adding that what united them was their love for God and their willingness to remain faithful even when their faith was tested.
Father Ezeanowai reminded Christians that the journey of faith comes with challenges, saying every believer must be ready to carry the cross and remain steadfast rather than abandon God when faced with difficulties.
He also urged Christians to demonstrate their faith through daily actions by showing love, kindness, mercy and concern for others, saying the world needs people who can truly serve as salt and light.
The priest encouraged the faithful not to follow the crowd simply because it is popular, but to stand for what is right and keep their faith alive.
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He stressed that those who live according to the Beatitudes and remain faithful to Christ will ultimately share in eternal glory.
FRCN