By Nna Anulumadu
The Chief Shepherd of the Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has enjoined Christians to be committed to the things of God, regardless of earthly challenges or the attractiveness of material things. The prelate gave this advice during his pastoral visit to St. John XXIII Liturgical Community.
According to Archbishop Okeke, Christians should remember the transitory nature of life and hold tenaciously to the things of God, as wealth and earthly riches are temporary. “Don’t depend on your wealth for survival because our life here is temporary. Strive to be rich in God’s things,” he advised.
Speaking on the ways to be rich in God, the local ordinary charged Christians to shun greed and avarice, stating that they are major factors responsible for crimes committed today. “A life of greed is a life of worshipping the devil,” he warned.
Instead, Archbishop Okeke encouraged Christians to live a life of love, charity, mercy, forgiveness, and non-discrimination. “Place God first in your life. Don’t be selfish with your wealth. Use your wealth to transform the world. Give a helping hand to the less privileged. Don’t store or save all your fortune for personal use, because death is coming.”
He emphasized that the true measure of the value of one’s life is not wealth but a good life. “If you don’t want to regret or cry at the point of death, then never hesitate to put smiles on people’s faces with your riches. When you do this, you are already on the road to heaven.”
