KENYA: “Let Us Give Reconciliation a Chance,” Kenyan Bishop at National Prayer Day
National Prayer Day
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As Christians in Kenya marked National Prayer Day on Saturday, October 7, an event that is celebrated annually at Subukia National Marian Shrine, one of the Bishops has called on all citizens to consider the possibilities of resolving differences and conflicts in the country and work towards harmonious and lasting resolutions.
Addressing thousands of Christians who flocked at the Shrine from all Dioceses in the country, deputy for the Commission of Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Rt. Rev. Alfred Kipkoech Rotich pointed out in his homily, the need to settle conflicts and journey together as a reconciled family.
“On addressing the specific concern of how to journey together as a reconciled family, the emphasis is on how… that is, the methods, mechanisms, strategies, and possible ways we can reconcile with one another,” Bishop Rotich of Kenya’s Kericho Diocese said emphasizing that, more than ever before, there is the urgent need for Kenyans to “give reconciliation a chance.”
The Prelate reflected on the gospel of Apostle Mathew who said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” (Matthew 5:9) and noted that this is a “reminder of our identity as one faith, one Catholic and apostolic church, that reaches out to all people living in our country and beyond with a grace of gratitude.”
Bishop Rotich decries the state of life people are living in today which is full of conflict saying, “Even as we speak there are many parts of the world that are in conflict, where people have no peace. Even as we speak people in some parts of the world are losing lives, displaced, and losing what they call their homes. Instead of peace, they are experiencing pain, suffering, agony, disillusionment, and faith in the goodness of fellow human beings.”
He discloses further that, “Within our borders, we have relative peace. Over the years, we have lost lives, fellow Kenyans have been displaced from their homes, and people have lost property. Their lives will never be the same again. Similar experiences occur in our communities, in our families, and in our individual lives. People have conflicts in their hearts so deep-seated that sadly some commit suicide.”
According to the Bishop, the mission of Christians therefore is to support each other especially those in pain, in low spirits, in grief, or in strained relationships, to move from darkness to light which is a process that requires three elements.
“The first element is Mercy. When we help one another to move from distress of all kinds to tranquillity we experience the mercy of God,” the Bishop narrated and continued, when we amend our strained relationships of all kinds, we become a reconciled family and lastly, the effort of a peacemaker to a brother and sister in distress is a journey.”
Speaking under the theme for this year’s national prayer day: Journeying together as a reconciled family, Bishop Rotich disclosed that members of the KCCB and its pastoral agents countrywide, “have played a crucial role in fostering unity and reconciliation within the complex cultures of our Kenyan society.”
“Our tireless efforts reflect the Church’s commitment to being a unifying force in a diverse nation. However, we humbly recognize that the journey towards unity and reconciliation is ongoing, but it also poses significant challenges,” he said during the Saturday event noting that as Shepherds of God’s people, they grapple with some essential concerns in the country including questions like: What impedes the realization of Kenya as a reconciled family? How can the collective consciousness of the nation be revived? What steps can we take to cultivate generous hearts among our people?
He acknowledges that these inquiries underscore the Bishops’ dedication to facilitating a harmonious coexistence that transcends divisions and animosities recounting the message of St. Paul who said to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3).
The Bishop called upon the spirit and fruits of the ongoing synod to inspire God’s people to always seek to journey together as a reconciled family of Kenyans and all the people who live within and outside the country.
