A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Victor Ijeh, has said that the best way for Christians to be close to God is to avoid sin.
Delivering a Homily on Sunday morning at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba, Fr. Ijeh, emphasized that Christians are not expected to live in sin but be closer to God through good deeds.
He said, “today, we commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ; today signals the end of the Christmas season.
“Baptism prepared Jesus for the mission to save man; Jesus was baptised in River Jordan and that was one of the efforts of God to reveal Himself to man.
“With Jesus, God revealed Himself in flesh and today God revealed that Jesus is His beloved son during baptism.
“In the book of John, Jesus made it clear that He who sees Him has seen God, and further made it clear that before Abraham, He was, so, who believes in Jesus believes in God.
“Jesus was baptised to reveal God to man; to sanctify the water of baptism because only through baptism that one can be washed of original sin; to fulfill all righteousness, among others.
“If you live in pride rather than humility, take what does not belong to you, fail to obey the commandments of God, then change from your evil ways and be closer to God.
“Are your actions pleasing to God? That is a question you have to search your conscience and be truthful to yourself.
“We must do those things that are pleasing to God; if you are not living a life that is pleasing to God, change your lifestyle, avoid sin and be in God’s presence always.”
