Bishop Ezeokafor tells Christians Jesus is water of life to quench their spiritual thirst

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has exhorted Christians to embrace Christ in His fullness and ensure they serve Him in truth and in the spirit, saying that Jesus Christ remains the Saviour of the world and a living water.

The Catholic Prelate who stated this in a homily to marked the beginning of the 2020 Awka Diocesan Laity Week at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Enugwu Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State described Jesus Christ as water of life, enjoined Christians to drink from Him in order to quench their spiritual thirst and hunger.

Bishop Ezeokafor who anchored his preaching on the Holy Gospel according to John (4:5-42) said Jesus told a Samaritan woman in a  town called Sychar, near the land of Jacob gave to his son Joseph that “If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you: “Give me a drink”, you would have been the one to ask, and He would have given you living water”.

He urged all to ensure they become true sons and daughters of Christ by living a Christ-like life, appealing to those who, he said, had found Christ, to introduce Him to others, stating that Jesus Christ should not be seen or taken as a personal property.

“Following Christ is not enough ensure you bring others along. Christ is not your personal property. Be accessible and courteous. Reach out to others. Share the Goodnews to your neighbours.

“Hoarding the message and avoiding people cannot fetch you the kingdom of God. Be liberal and accommodating,” Bishop Ezeokafor exhorted.

Bishop Ezeokafor called on Christians to be proactive in their pursuit of heavenly reward, noting that any serious Christian should be concerned about his spiritual happiness rather physical and worldly joy, adding that issue of faith should not be taken for granted.

On the issue of burial law, the Cleric announced that the law had been signed and awaiting implementation, stating that once it was implemented he would lead in enforcing it, especially in Awka Diocese, emphasizing that people should be celebrated and catered for while they were alive not when they were no more, adding that it was no longer befitting burial but befitting life.

Bishop Ezeokafor decried what he described as extravagant spending during funerals, saying that the quest to offer the dead a befitting burial had pushed many into all manner of atrocious acts, noting that people should be celebrated while they were still here on earth and not when they were gone.

The Chief Shepherd of Awka Catholic Diocese during the homily announced that the proposed Peter University located at Onneh/Achina would now be co-owned by Awka Diocese and the newly created Ekwuluobia Diocese, saying that it was a joint efforts, adding that if by tomorrow another Diocese was created out of Awka it would still be the same.

The year’s Awka Diocesan Laity Week had “Persistent Insecurity in Nigeria need for Respect for Human Life” as its Theme.

The event attracted top government functionaries, Priests, Religious, Lay faithful. The Bishop’s Secretary and Chief Chaplain, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Monwe, the traditional ruler of Enugwu Ukwu, HRM Raph Ekpe and the traditional ruler of Abagana, HRH, Igwe Patrick Mbamalu Okeke, the Grand President, Awka Grand Commandery, Brig. Gen. Tony Okeke, the Deputy Traditional Prime Minister of Enugwu Ukwu, Chief Sir. Clement Nwafor (Odunkata Ukwu), Hon. Joseph Igwebike (President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Awka Diocese), Hon. Comrade Tochukwu Obiadi (Chairman, Planning Committee and EA to Governor on Economic Planning) were among those who attended the flag off of 2020 Awka Diocesan Laity Week.