Issue No. 53: December, 2007
The Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
Come, let us adore him!
SUNDAY COMMENTARIES – DECEMBER
SESQUICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY OF CSST
PERPETUAL PROFESSION – MAKUENI PARISH
PASTORAL LETTER OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOP’S IN KENYA
The Season of Advent & Christmas
Advent is derived from the Latin word “Adventus” implicitly coupled with “Redemptoris” which means the coming of the saviour. It is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Christ, also known outside the church as the season of Christmas. It is the beginning of the western Christian year and commences on Advent Sunday.
Adventus is the Latin word for ‘coming’ and is the exact Latin equivalent for the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the second coming. This season of advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the son of God, Christ.
In the Christian sense, advent refers to the four weeks before Christmas. These four Sundays of advent are often traditionally celebrated with four candles, each candle having a specific meaning, associated with different aspects of the advent story. The first candle symbolizes expectant hope and is associated with prophecy. The others are organized around character or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to the celebrations and worship in the season, such as peace, love or joy.
The third and sometimes fourth is generally symbolic of joy at the imminence of the coming of Christ. A fifth, white or gold candle called a Christ candle is often lit in the centre on Christmas Eve and or Christmas day to signify Christ’s birth.
According to the tradition, the theme of the readings and teachings during advent is often to prepare for the second coming while commemorating the first coming of Christ at Christmas with the view of directing the thoughts of Christians to the first coming of Jesus Christ as saviour and to his second coming as judge. Special lessons are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in advent.
What should we do during Advent?
It is important to note that Jesus has not come just once, but keeps on coming. He is present at all cheerful or sad events of our lives. Therefore, Christians need to prepare their souls by renouncing all the obstacles that prevent His coming. Such barriers have to be pulled down, valleys filled up and all that divides Christians from Christ must be removed. This is possible through the sacrament of reconciliation and practicing the law of love.
Christmas as a celebration of the Nativity
The nativity of Jesus refers to the Christian belief that the messiah was born to the Virgin Mary. The story of Christmas is based on the biblical accounts given in the Gospel of Mathew, namely Mathew 1:18-2:12, and the Gospel of Luke1:26-56. According to these accounts, Jesus was born to Mary, assisted by her husband Joseph in the city of Jerusalem.
The birth took place in a ‘stable’ surrounded by farm animals, and the infant Jesus was laid in a manger, shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem were told of the birth by an angel and were first to see the child. The birth of Christ was the fulfillment of many prophecies made hundreds of years ago before his birth.
The season calls all the Christians to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by confession, loving and helping the needy. Sin becomes a barrier to the entry of Christ into our lives.
Reflections
How am I preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ, as judge and saviour?
Do I recognize Jesus Christ in those we meet, stay with, work with etc?
Does my preparation involve only material things (clothes, food, drinks, inviting friends)? This is how the pagans prepared their feast of the ‘birth of the son’ Christians also rejoice, are happy, sing and dance on Christmas day, but this is not the main aspect of it. Our greatest gift to the Lord is the gift of adoration and worship. Let us open our hearts and with the entire creation, sing the great Alleluia. He is the prince of Joy and peace.
By Rev. Fr. Alphonse K. Muema
Day Star University
1st Sunday of Advent: Is 2.2-5, Rom 13.11-14, Mt 24.37-44
Every year, the church gives us a period of four weeks to prepare for the feast of nativity. During the advent season we reflect on the promise of the Messiah and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we start the Advent, the prophet Isaiah urges every one to forsake war and to live in peace forever. The tone reaches a climax in the words, “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” We think of the violence, hatred and divisions in the families and communities. Christ being the prince of peace calls us to bring peace to the sinful world. We should come out of the darkness of sin and live in the light as we wait for the second coming of the Son of Man. Let us make practical resolutions on how we can realize peace wherever we may be.
2nd Sunday of Advent: Is 11.1-10, Rom 14.4-9, Mt 3.1-12
The Gospel invites us to reflect about our salvation. John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of the Lord. He calls different groups to repent so that they may be baptized and make themselves worthy to receive Christ. He sends strong signals that to be truly repentant is to give strong evidence that one needs to reform. For us, the messianic prophecy of Isaiah describes the Messiah as a prince of perfect peace. The imagery that the prophet uses calls us to be true witnesses of peace and integrity. We can not be true witnesses of Christ if we do not serve him in peace and integrity. To know whether we are living in peace and harmony, Paul calls us to ask ourselves whether we accept each other as Christ accepted us for the Glory of God.
3rd Sunday of Advent: Is 35.1-6, 10 Jas 5.7-10, Mt 11.2-11
When John the Baptist sends his disciples to Christ to ask him whether he is the one who was to come, Christ gave the effects of his work. He tells them to tell John what they have seen and heard: The deaf hear, the blind see the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised and the Good News is being proclaimed to the poor. This sums up the work of Christ. We who are his followers, what answer can we give as a manifestation of our unity with him? Our actions should tell the people who we are. We need no words. We are being challenged as Christians to reflect on our effectiveness in proclaiming the Good News of the second coming of our Lord. We shall receive an eternal reward if we serve Christ faithfully. The fruits of our good work are observed by those whom we are living with.
4th Sunday of Advent: Is 7.10-14, Rom 1.1-7, Mt 1.18-24
The Jesus’ pre nativity events have a series of prophesies signs and promises. Isaiah prophesied that Ahaz will succeed in the battle and the sign which he will receive is that “The virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” The name Emmanuel means ‘God with us’. Since we have identified ourselves with Emmanuel, we have to present the image of God among his people. In a brief, straightforward, simple narrative, Matthew recounts the events leading to Jesus’ birth. He details the appearance of the angel in a dream to Joseph and stresses that “All this happened to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophets.” As we come close to the feast of nativity, the Lord invites us to reflect whether we truly believe in the presence of Christ among us and also the truth of his promise that he will come again.
The Holy family: Sir 3.2-6, 12-14, Col 3.12-21, Mt 2.13-15, 19-23
After the Nativity, we celebrate the feast of the Holy family, a model to Christian families. It was not an extraordinary family. If anything, it was a family which faced many challenges. See the background of Joseph and Mary. They were not from the famous Jewish families. Their child is born in a manger. A short time later they have to hide the child from the ill intention of Herod. They overcame all these problems because they co-operated with the grace of God. When we face challenges in the family, we are reminded to seek the will of God. Parents should love their children and the children in turn honour them. By so doing, all will live in peace. Sirach emphasizes the importance of honouring one’s parents: Spiritual riches will come to those who are kind to their parents. In his letter, Paul advices that all in the family should treat each other with kindness.
Rev. Fr. Francis Maundu - Rome
On October 20th the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST) celebrated the Sesquicentennial birthday of our Foundress, Sr. Teresa D’Lima of St. Rose of Lima. His Lordship Martin Kivuva graced the occasion, with the meaningful Eucharistic Celebration followed by prayer for form IV students and cultural programme.
Among the wonderful variety of religious communities born in the Church through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa has its own particular charism and is entrusted with the specific task in the building up of the body of Christ. A young Lady, Miss Grace D’Lima was the providential instrument in founding this congregation in the church. She was called by God for the special mission of integrating humanity by humanizing those sections of the society marginalized by Tribalism and economic poverty.
She made concrete the building of the Kingdom of God, with her deep prayer life. Her living motto being, ‘Let us give practical effect to the prayer we so often repeat during the day. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done’.
Sr. Teresa of St. Rose of Lima was a powerful instrument sent by God to make God’s dream come true. A century has gone by since Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima; the saintly Foundress surrendered her soul to her creator in a tragic accident that occurred on 12th September 1902. Fifteen Years prior to this fatal accident she had founded her congregation in the year 1887.
Rooted in a life of intimacy with Christ and of living faith in the Lord of the Eucharist, Mother Teresa, ‘A worthy daughter of St. Teresa, set a high value on the life of prayer and of filial relationship with Mary, Mother and Patroness of the order. We the CSST Sisters on this great occasion of our Foundresses’ 150th Birthday, thank His Lordship Bishop Martin Kivuva, Fr. Joseph Pullikal – Provincial of Salesian of Don Bosco, Fr. Francis Kunyusa our Parish priest, the other Priests, sisters, Parishioners, Parents and well-wishers who made this day a memorable one through their valuable presence amidst us.
By Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa
Saturday 10th November 2007 was a memorable day in Makueni parish. This was the day when all the stations converged at Multi-purpose Catholic Church Wote to witness the solemn profession of Sr. Celina Mbuli of Sisters of Mercy.
The Catholic Bishop of Machakos Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva graced the occasion as the main guest. Fr. in charge Rev. Fr. John Makewa welcomed the gathering and recognized the invited guests specially the presence of Sister Coirle McCarthy, the congregational leader of the sisters of Mercy who was from Ireland. Later he humbly invited his Lordship Martin Kivuva to lead the congregation with the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist.
In his homily the Lord Bishop acknowledged before the congregation that Christ calls each one in a special way and in a different way. He remarked that some are called to marriage life, priesthood, brotherhood or even sisterhood for the love and service of God and others.
Our Bishop affirmed that Sister Celina’s profession was significant because it reminded us of three prominent things.
To say yes towards this free gift of our vocation.
To dedicate our lives through self-sacrifice and self-giving,
To live as people who have seen Christ and are willing to follow him.
He also emphasized on the character of Nathaniel. (Jn: 1:43-50).
Our Lord Bishop invited Sr. Celina and all present to accept Christ and firmly resolve that none else but Christ whom we should follow until the last minute. Bishop encouraged those present to emulate Christ by acting in his spirit.
He registered his heartfelt appreciation towards the pioneers’ missionaries of Machakos Diocese (Holy Ghost Fathers) for their noble task of laying a strong foundation of faith in Ukambani. He urged all to pray for our country Kenya and especially for the peaceful elections.
There were symbols like an African guard and calabash which was used as a bible resting place. This reminded me of the late Pope Paul II when he challenged the church in Africa with these words. The challenge therefore of inculturation in Africa consists in ensuring that the followers of Christ will enter ever more deeply into the Gospel message, while remaining faithful to all authentic African values.
I urge you to look to the riches of your own traditions. (The African Synod comes home) The Lord Bishop concluded his remarks by thanking the Parish priest Fr. John Makewa, Assistant Priest and the faithful for their good work and for their generosity and willingness to support the Diocesan collection of 2007. The Lord Bishop awarded certificates to those students who participated actively towards the Diocesan collection of 2007. Priests who graced the occasion were; Frs. John Makewa, Michael Mutuku, Boniface Kioko, Morris Ngonde, Pius Kyule among others. Kindly our Lord Bishop come again, WELCOME TO MAKUENI. We love you.
Compiled by:
Francis Kivati Kunga - Makueni Parish
THE MASS MEDIA
We ask that the mass media play a positive, constructive and truthful role in our society. It should educate the people on rights and obligations during the forthcoming elections and afterwards.
On the other hand, everybody especially those aspiring to lead, must use the mass media responsibly and not in a manipulative way. We emphasize that mass media should broadcast the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Teachers and other civil servants have to resign to vie for elections. This has great consequences for the Individual. We recommend that if a practicing Lawyer is elected into parliament, he or she should abandon private practice. There should be one law for all. One should not be a member of parliament and at the same time benefit from handling matters of the public they serve in private practice.
POST-ELECTION
We ask that all those that wananchi have not elected to accept the results and cooperate fully with those who have been elected. Let the election increase the bonds of unity in our nation.
NECESSITY OF CIVIC EDUCATION
In order to vote correctly people must have an informed mind and conscience. They must know the relevant issues and the qualities of candidates as outline above. Civic education is therefore a necessity. From past experience, we know that the quality of civic education has not formed people enough.
We have witnessed the organizing of groups to incite violence, as well as “the buying of votes’ or voting cards. Too often, the civic education sessions have been turned into political rallies. This time around, we are appealing to all concerned to give space for proper civic education. This is part of the “level playing field” that is often forgotten or not even mentioned.
The people must not be impoverished or be denied their basic rights by the use of money or kind, to influence their voting pattern: Such practices dehumanize people and make them unduly dependent on the purported “bread-providers”. The role of civic education is to educate not to manipulate. And therefore, like in the past, the Catholic Church will be fully involved in civic education through its Catholic Justice and Peace Commission.
CONCLUSION
We appeal to all Catholics and people of good will, to employ dialogue at this sensitive time for the betterment of everyone. The relationships that are established in a climate of dialogue overcome ethnic divisions and ideological differences. Dialogue prompts people to seek out what unites rather than what divides them.
Finally, our strong message is an appeal to all to endeavour to build the civilization of love. It is only love for God and for one another that can transfer the human person and the entire Kenyan society.
“Right will dwell in the desert,
and justice abide in the orchard.
Justice will bring about peace;
Right will produce calm and security.
My people will live in a peaceful country,
In secure dwellings and quiet resting places”. (Isaiah 32: 16-19).
God bless you all, God bless Kenya.
BY THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF KENYA
A Parish is a community of faithful whose communion and daily lives aim at witnessing and living the Kingdom values. Parish life is the heart of the church, it is where people pray together, stay together and even grow towards perfection.
Life in the parish should be characterized by a brotherly and lively, charismatic collaboration between pastors and the faithful.
The Parish Priest (a priest working in a parish) should be prudent and avoid “authoritarianism and forms of democratic administration which are alien to the reality of the Ministry”. Every parish is a community of believers who are bound together by the Eucharist. Each parish priest should seek to enhance and develop this Eucharistic community. The pastor should remember that the faithfuls are the basic and most important component of the parish. The work of the Parish priest is thus administering Sacraments, preaching, witnessing the word of God and living a just and generous life.
Parish priests are called to portray Jesus. Their homily should be the teaching of Jesus. Jesus worked closely with his Apostles, collaborators; the parish priest should value his catechists and encourage all his collaborators. Parish priests are called to lead a Holy and prayerful lives. This encourages all the faithful in the contribution towards the kingdom of God.
The Parish priests should value the pastoral team as a consultative organ. The pastoral team needs to be encouraged and listened to. The Parish Priest should therefore remember that the pastoral team will assist by offering advice on how to evangelize. The Parish priest should therefore remember that their faithfulness and commitment will shape a true parish and be careful not to fall into evils such as ‘bureaucracy (which reduces feedback), functionalism and planning which is more managerial than pastoral.
The parish priest should give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to work and enlighten the parish.
Together with our Lord Bishop Martin Kivuva who is a real father and a true Pastor, who recognizes the need to have his collaborators closest to him and who holds them as really precious; let us build a church of Christ that is really Holy genuine and just.
By Rev. Fr. Joseph Makau Challo
Makaveti Parish
Uw’o congratulates Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutie, Rev. Fr. Lucas Kioko, Rev. Fr. Urbanus Mutuku and Rev. Fr. Bernard Musyoki for their 10th Anniversary of Priesthood. Hongera! Brothers for your sacrifices and commitments of serving God’s people. Remember you are a priest forever a priest like Melchizedeck of old.
The Catholic Diocese of Machakos wishes to pass our heart felt condolences to the Archdiocese of Nyeri who lost their Bishop His Grace Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima. Feel our support.
May God rest the soul of the late Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima in Eternal peace.
1. Christmas Break
The Secretariat offices closes for Christmas break as from 20th December and opens on 7th January 2008.
2. Christmas Wishes
The Bishop and the entire staff of Machakos Diocese wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the little baby Jesus be born in our Hearts.
3. Christmas Dinner
This is a reminder to all Priests/Religious Men and women that there will be a Christmas Dinner on 28th December 2007 at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre starting with a Holy Eucharist at Machakos Cathedral at 10.00 a.m and then for late lunch at the Pastoral Centre. Welcome one and all.
4. Bishop’s Mass with the Children
Bishop Martin Kivuva will celebrate mass for the PMC/Sunday School children of the Diocese to be hosted by Machakos Deanery at Kenyatta Stadium on 5/1/2008 starting at 10.00 a.m. All the children of the Diocese are invited.
6. Calendar 2008
The Diocesan calendars for 2008 are out. Buy a copy at the Catholic Media Centre.
DECEMBER
1st Mbiuni Parish - FCC Sisters
2nd Mbooni Confirmation
6th PC - K.C.S
7th Matuu Parish Confirmation/Harambee
9th Kabati Kitui - Confirmation
10-12th Kitui Diocese Office
14th Mtito Andei - Blessing Ave Maria School
15th Nairobi
16th Kyale Parish - Silver Jubilee
17th Machakos Diocese - Office
18th KCS - Nairobi
20th Kitui Diocese
24th Kitui Diocese - Vigil Mass
25th Machakos - Cathedral - Christmas Mass
JANUARY
1st Kitui Diocese
5th PMC Machakos Deanery
19th Mbiuni Parish - Ordination
Rejoice and be glad, and share the gifts of Christmas with one and all.
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box - 344 -90100 Machakos
Tel. +254-44-20484; Fax. +254-44-21308
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com
Website: http/www.machakosdiocese.org