KENYA: “The Word of God Sends Us to Transform Lives and Communities”, Says Fr. Vincent Odundo
Fr. Vincent Odundo
Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
On the Third Sunday of every year in ordinary time known as the “Sunday of the Word of God”, the Catholic Church across the globe Celebrated “World Communication Day”, and during these two celebrations in Kisumu Archdiocese, Kenya, Fr. Vincent Odundo the Vicar General of Kisumu Archdiocese emphasized on the transformative power of God’s word as a source of hope for all.
In his homily, Fr. Odundo reflected on the vital role of communication noting, “it is good to know that any time we listen to the word of God, God is anointing us to take the message home; you become another communicator and that is how communication continues”.
Reflecting on the day’s reading, particularly on the first reading from the book of Nehemiah, Fr. Odundo underscored that the power of God is to inspire, heal, and transform.
“The word of God must move us to conversion, you and me we need to allow the word of God to transform our lives, word of God gives us a commission, the word of God gives a mandate, the word of God is sending us, if you have heard the word of God, you cannot remain seated”.
Narrating how Israelites returning from the exile listened attentively to the word of God for an entire day, he challenged the congregation to emulate the Israelites by creating time to listen to God’s Word.
“The Word of God must provoke us to look within ourselves,” he said. “It is meant to transform our attitudes, help us recognize our gifts, and guide us in using those gifts for the betterment of others”.
In line with World Communication Day, Fr. Odundo called on the congregation to be agents of spreading the word of God. “The word of God is sending us to be communicators and let us not sit back and relax”.
Fr. Odundo encouraged the faithful to allow the Word of God to move them to personal conversion. “The Word of God must provoke us to look within ourselves,” he said. “It is meant to transform our attitudes, help us recognize our gifts, and guide us in using those gifts for the betterment of others.”
He added, “Hope is not just for the distant future; it is for now,” he said. “Look around you. There are people in your homes, workplaces, and communities who need hope. Communicate that hope through your words and actions”.
