Samia stresses good deeds
TANZANIA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on all Tanzanians to use the Lent season to show compassion for those in need.
She also urged the faithful to continue praying for the country’s peace, love, unity and tranquility as Christians begin the 40-day Lent season. Through her social media platforms, the Head of State encouraged Tanzanians to use this period of fasting to seek God’s guidance in living truthfully and with integrity in their daily lives and responsibilities to the nation.
“I wish our Christian brothers and sisters a blessed season of Lent. During this 40-day period of worship, fasting and repentance, let us continue to pray for peace, love, unity and all that is good for our country, while considering those in need,” said President Samia.
She added, “Let us also use this time to pray for Almighty God to guide us in living truthfully and with integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities towards each other and our nation.”
During a Morning Glory service sermon yesterday, Pastor Dr Eliona Kimaro of the Kijitonyama Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) encouraged Christian believers to engage in self-spiritual introspection throughout Lent.
“This year’s Lent is an opportunity to deeply reflect on spiritual matters, particularly on how we should act righteously and show compassion in the positions God has placed us. We must also practice righteousness within our families,” said Dr Kimaro.
He urged Christians to live authentically, embracing grace and truthfully acknowledging their shortcomings. He encouraged believers to seek repentance and confession for any unrighteous actions.
Lent is a significant 40-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection in the Christian liturgical calendar, leading up to Easter. Its origins date back to the early Christian Church around the 4th century AD, when believers began observing fasting and penance in preparation for Easter Sunday.
The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, a day marked by the distribution of ashes as a symbol of repentance and mortality, initiating a period of reflection and penitence.
Christians observe this sacred practice in imitation of Jesus Christ, who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. Despite centuries of church history, the rise and fall of empires and evolving traditions, the essence of Lent has remained unchanged.
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Traditionally, Lent involves fasting and abstaining from certain foods or luxuries to foster spiritual growth and self-discipline, encouraging believers to deepen their faith and relationship with God.
The practice remains centered on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, marking redemption through His crucifixion and the celebration of Easter.
