Palm Sunday: Priest Urges Faithful to Embrace Selflessness and Spiritual Preparedness
By Chizoba Njaka
During Palm Sunday Mass at St. John Catholic Church, Umuokpu-Awka, Rev. Father Emmanuel Nwakasi reflected on the significance of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of standing with Christ through all times. He urged Catholics to prepare for Holy Week by embracing God, sacrificing with Christ, and living faithfully through love and obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Father Nwakasi devoted a significant portion of his homily to the spiritual power of almsgiving, emphasizing its benefits and warning against selfish motives. He advised the faithful to learn how to give generously, citing the natural and spiritual law that one reaps what one sows.
The priest encouraged congregants to make almsgiving a habit, extending kindness to the poor and vulnerable, and reminded them that God sees their efforts and rewards accordingly. He warned against cheating the poor or giving without love, emphasizing that true giving is motivated by love and a desire to serve others.
Father Nwakasi's message was a call to spiritual preparedness, urging the faithful to reflect on their lives and prepare for the inevitable reality of death, and to cultivate a spirit of selflessness and generosity.