By Nna Anulumadu
The Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke on Sunday, October 6th, 2024 , urged Christians to embrace the ongoing purification in order to attain holiness required of them as people of God .
The prelate gave the advice in his homily during the dedication of Our Lady Queen of All Saints Church, Federal Housing estate 33, Onitsha.
He stressed the significance of ongoing purification and renewal for Christians. Citing St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:16-17), he reminded the faithful that they are the living temple of God.
“As the living temple of God, Christians are called to maintain a sacred and holy relationship with their Creator. This requires a continuous process of purification and renewal, enabling them to become more like Christ.”
Archbishop Okeke highlighted several reasons why ongoing purification and renewal are essential for Christians: Christians are set apart for God’s purpose, and purification helps maintain this consecration. He stated that renewal enables believers to grow in holiness, reflecting God’s character, adding that as the living temple, Christians offer spiritual sacrifices, requiring purity of heart, explaining that purified and renewed life inspires others to seek God.
The local ordinary further charged Christians to embrace ongoing purification and renewal, seek forgiveness through regular confessing sins and receiving God’s mercy.
“Develop a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, immerse yourself in God’s Word for guidance and transformation and demonstrate love and compassion, reflecting Christ’s example and by embracing this process, believers become a radiant reflection of God’s glory, fulfilling their role as the living temple”.
