As Christians across the world begin the solemn journey of Lent, Rev. Fr Pius Odediran has called on the faithful to embrace what he describes as an “intentional comeback to God.” His 2026 Lenten message, delivered at the onset of Ash Wednesday, centres on sincere repentance, humility, and authentic spiritual renewal.
Speaking with deep pastoral conviction, the cleric reminded believers that Lent is not merely a liturgical season but a sacred opportunity for inner transformation and reconciliation with God.
Lent: A Maternal Invitation from the Church
Rev. Fr Odediran echoed the words of Pope Leo XIV, who in his 2015 Lenten message described Lent as a time when the Church, guided by maternal care, invites the faithful to place the mystery of God back at the centre of their lives. According to the Holy Father, this renewal is necessary to prevent hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.
Drawing from the prophet Joel, the priest emphasised that God patiently awaits humanity’s return: “Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping and mourning… turn to the Lord your God again for he is all tenderness and compassion.”
He stressed that the call to “rend your heart, not your garments” remains relevant today. Lent, he explained, is not about outward rituals or public displays of piety, but about authentic and intentional conversion that produces visible change in individuals and society.
Akahi News learnt that Rev. Fr Odediran described this season as one that demands honesty before God, urging believers to confront their weaknesses rather than mask them with religious appearances.
The Urgency of Reconciliation
Referencing the second reading from St Paul, Rev. Fr Odediran urged Christians not to delay repentance. “Now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation,” Paul admonishes — a call the priest says must not be postponed.
According to him, reconciliation with God begins with reconciliation with others. He encouraged forgiveness within families, among neighbours, and even towards perceived enemies. Citing the teaching of Pope Francis, he noted that showing concern for others and for the world is a powerful antidote to indifference.
Akahi News gathered that the priest particularly highlighted the Sacrament of Confession as a concrete avenue for returning to God. “God is waiting,” he affirmed, urging the faithful to approach the confessional with humility and sincerity.
Prayer, Fasting and Charity: The Lenten Agenda
Turning to the Gospel, Rev. Fr Odediran outlined the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting (abstinence), and charity — as essential duties for spiritual growth.
However, he cautioned against hypocrisy. Christians, he said, must avoid parading good deeds for public admiration. Prayer should be offered in sincerity, fasting undertaken with joy, and acts of charity performed without seeking applause.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy,” he reminded the faithful, encouraging them instead to approach the season cheerfully and confidently. Lent, he described, is a deeply personal journey back to God, one that must be undertaken humbly and joyfully.
He further reflected on the scriptural assurance that “if we die with Him, we shall also rise with Him,” underscoring that Lenten sacrifices ultimately lead to Easter joy.
Ash Wednesday: Dust, Yet Deeply Loved
As ashes are placed on foreheads with the reminder, “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” Rev. Fr Odediran noted that the sign symbolises human fragility, finality and futility. Yet, he balanced this sobering truth with a message of hope: humanity is not only dust, but loved dust.
The ashes, he said, are both a call to repentance and a reminder of God’s boundless mercy.
He challenged believers to ask themselves a searching question: “What is blocking your intimacy with God?”
A Season of Grace and Favour
In conclusion, Rev. Fr Odediran described Lent as a season of grace and favour — a privileged time when God listens attentively and forgives generously. He urged Christians to pray sincerely: “Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.”
The 2026 Lenten message serves as a timely reminder that spiritual renewal requires deliberate effort. It is not accidental but intentional — a conscious return to the loving Father who waits with open arms.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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