Most Rev. (Dr.) Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Abuja has charged Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM) Nigeria, to live vertical and horizontal Christian lives. He made this assertion at the Opening Mass of LSM 46th Annual National Convention penultimate Friday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse, Abuja. According to him, vertically speaks to the fact that we stand connected to God while horizontally, we also stand connected to the family, culture, and society.
He said, “In Christianity, a vertical relationship is a Christian’s connection with God, while a horizontal relationship is a Christian’s connection with other people. Vertically, a Christian’s relationship with God is based on faith and is considered the primary goal of a Christian’s life. “Horizontally, a Christian’s relationship with other people, is also considered important by Jesus. Jesus said, “Love your neighbour as yourself “. Christians are called to focus on both vertical and horizontal relationships.” Speaking further, Archbishop Kaigama admonished the ladies to serve God with all their might and minds. “Your basic desire is to serve God with all your might and all your minds. Serve God with all whole selves. “It’s not about the position you occupy.
As a Lady of St. Mulumba, you should be more than the ordinary Sunday Mass Catholic. As a Lady of St. Mulumba, consistently improve in your spiritual life. People should see you glowing with uncommon Christian values. People should see Christ in your words, actions and relationships with them. You should be ambassadors of Christ. As a Christian, people should see the character of Christ in you. “You should not be ashamed to say ‘Jesus is Lord.’ On the contrary, you should make people believe that Jesus is Number 1.”
“If you are angry with your neighbour and you don’t forgive your sister, you are wasting your time. Can you still be a Christian if you refuse to forgive? If you revenge, you are not a Christian.” The prelate commended the LSM for their initiative to empower 100 indigent women. “To empower 100 indigent women is been horizontal. If you are saying all the ‘Hail Mary’ and you don’t care about your neighbour, you are not Christ-like. Your ‘Touch Life One-on-One’ charity initiative is commendable. All the lives you have been touching translates to touching Jesus.” The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Abuja enjoined all Christians to put their spirituality into action.
