By Olivia Obijiaku
The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, His Lordship, Most Rev Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh has lamented hypocrisy among Christians, charging them to make the most of the Lenten Season by turning new leaves. The bishop who took the stand during the Mass he celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Cathedral (CKCC), Sabo Gari, Zaria, on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, observed that some Christians pay more attention to their outward appearances, thereby neglecting to exhibit the qualities of the disciples of Jesus.
“Jesus strongly condemns hypocrisy.” The Chief Shepherd maintained. “Hypocrisy is a gross spiritual danger because it deceives both the hypocrite and those around him – leaving them with spiritual blindness. True Christianity is not about outward appearance. We are to put what we hear into practice. That is what Lent is all about.”
“One of the greatest hypocrisies among Christians is the outward display of righteousness, while secretly engaging in sinful behaviours, such as cheating, dishonesty and immorality. We are not to be seen behaving like we are Christians, and good before the whole world and before people, yet, fail in honesty, kindness and justice.”
“Some of us misuse our positions of power to oppress those who are weak. They use such positions to engage in corruption and to justify their actions with religious excuses. The opportunity that we have to participate in the Ash Wednesday this morning is for us to repent and renew our relationship with God and with one another.”
“God wants our hearts. Many people present themselves as devout followers of Christ, attending Church services, quoting the Bible, yet they exploit others. They engage in immoral relationship, while presenting a religious posture. This form of hypocrisy not only offends God, it also drives people away from Him, as people observe the inconsistency between the words and actions of the hypocrite.”
Bishop Daboh told them that it is not enough to receive the Holy Communion or to belong to societies in the Church, but to renew their hearts and repent genuinely from their sins. He prayed that the Lenten Season may be a life transforming and fruitful one for them all.
