By Ingrid Kengne
Faithful Christians of the St. Peter and Paul Parish in Simbock, in Yaoundé XI subdivision, have been called upon to exemplify Christ’s gospel by promoting core values of peace, unity, and reconciliation.
The call was made on May 9 by Reverend Father Louis Ndzana, the Parish Priest, during a memorial mass in line with the celebration of Ascension Thursday. This day commemorates Christians’ belief in Jesus Christ’s bodily ascension to heaven.
In a homily based on John 16:16-20, Reverend Father Ndzana urged Christians to re-examine their relationships with one another as Christ goes to prepare a place for them.
“With the numerous challenges our country already faces, we as Christians need to try to resolve them in our own little ways. We should spread love and be generous to those around us. Let’s emulate Christ by preaching love and making peace wherever we find ourselves,” Father Ndzana reiterated.
The priest added that to accomplish Jesus Christ’s mission, Christians must carry His gospel to the farthest corners of the earth.
“Jesus has completed his work among us and has returned to heaven. Now, he is asking us, his followers, to continue the job he started. That is why he is recommending that Christians go into the world preaching the good news,” the priest added.
Concerning Christ’s ascension to heaven, he explained, “Ascension means that Jesus is returning after his duty of working with the people, preaching, healing… He has gone back to sit at the right hand of his father.”
For many Christians, the Ascension of Christ, celebrated 40 days after Easter, also symbolizes the hope for resurrection after death. As He goes to prepare a place for them, He also sends the Holy Spirit to strengthen them.
“This day symbolizes hope for me as a Christian,” explained Tatiah Clarice. “When he was dying, he promised to return after three days, and he did come back. He has been with me throughout, and today is the day that the Son of Man will go. But when he goes, he is going to send his Holy Spirit that will come and help me. I have hope that he will send it on Pentecost.”
The celebration at the St. Peter and Paul Parish was marked by songs of worship and praise. The congregation joined the choir to raise their voices in thanksgiving.
At the end of the solemn mass, Christians were reminded to participate actively in a nine-day Novena in preparation for the feast of Pentecost, which comes ten days after Ascension Thursday.
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