Rev. Father John Amoah of the St Anthony Catholic Church at Nungua, a suburb of Accra, on Sunday urged Ghanaians to live upright lifestyles, as the country celebrates its 65th independence anniversary.
He said without living worthy lifestyles, it was going to be difficult to build Ghana into a formidable economic force.
“Ghana is endowed with all the world’s finest resources, but its people are still struggling to cope with the economic challenges of this time because of our lifestyle.
“We all have to be held responsible because corruption is not only in government, but in the small offices and places of work that we find ourselves,” he told the congregation.
Preaching on the theme: “He was led by the spirit into the wilderness, and tempted by the devil” (Luke 4: 1-13), Rev. Fr. Amoah said the wilderness represented the lowest point of man where crucial decisions ought to be taken.
“The devil thought Jesus was in a kind of a fix and so decided to tempt him, but was unsuccessful because Christ stood on the word of God. Clearly, Jesus provides us with an assurance that we are capable of resisting temptation.”
He advised Christians to stand firm in times of trials, be prayerful and focused, adding “it would take a concerted effort to build a prosperous Ghana.”
Rev. Fr Amoah reminded Catholics to endeavour to observe the period of Lent, “repent our sins, fast and pray, renew our faith and prepare ourselves to joyfully celebrate the mysteries of our salvation.”
Prayers were offered for the country and its leaders as miniature Ghanaian flags that were distributed earlier were waved frantically by the congregation.
By John Vigah
