NAN-H-14
Poverty
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, Dec. 25, 2017 (NAN) The Archbishop of Enugu Arch-Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has called on wealthy Nigerians to assist the poor to overcome lack and obscurity.
Chukwuma made the call in his Christmas Homily at the Chapel of Light, Archbishop’s Court, Enugu on Monday.
In the sermon, “Inclusive National Growth’’, he said that if Nigerians imbibed the teachings of Christmas, the country would be a better place as everyone would be carried along in growth and development.
“The only way we can attain inclusive national growth is by having the spirit of sacrifice and sharing with one another irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Christ came to the World for the sake of the whole of mankind. He also died for the whole of mankind; so everything we do must be all-encompassing and must accommodate all.
“So, today, you must show the love of Christ by impacting positively in that poor man or woman around you and ensuring that you teach him or her how to fish.
“This will enable the person to stand firmly economically,’’ he said.
The archbishop also urged leaders in the country not be self-centred, but to reflect on the exemplary leadership of Christ, which was anchored on selflessness and charity.
“Leaders must turn from darkness to light, from negativity to positivity and focus on how to do better things for the common good of the generality of the people.
“Also, the Church must be a caring church. Christ said that a shepherd (a pastor) should feed my sheep and not feed on my sheep,’’ he said.
He advised the wealthy, especially petroleum filling station owners, to take it easy and shun excessive gain.
“What they are doing is putting more pains on the already suffering masses of this country.
“It is the poor that bears the brunt of this man-made hike in petrol pump price,’’ the cleric said.
He prayed for the recovery of the nation’s economy as well as God’s guidance on President Muhammadu Buhari and his economic team. (NAN)
KSN/OPI/OPI