“It has been a year of hope in which we have walked together as pilgrims of hope, knowing that, as Saint Paul tells us, hope does not disappoint. Our hope is in Christ our Savior,” Archbishop Muheria said.
“The challenges that befell us and shook us all made us turn and see the hand of the Lord guiding us, holding us firmly at every step we took,” he said, and added, “As we reach the end of the great Jubilee, the end of these times of abundant grace from the Savior, we recall the moments when we drew much water, benefited greatly in our spiritual lives, benefited in our lives of faith, and also carried out works of mercy. We reached out to our brothers and sisters, especially those facing difficulties and suffering, giving them hope.”
In his reflection, the Local Ordinary of Nyeri encouraged Kenyans to be beacons of hope at all times, both in words and in actions, especially to those who are suffering.
“May our words be words of hope, of light, of encouragement, words that give life. May our words and actions bring comfort to people, uplift them, and as Priests, may we bless them. May they bring joy even in suffering, calm in anxiety, and to those who are troubled, may we give optimism and a vision of better days ahead,” he said.
“Let us be people who share grace, not those who trade in evil things, not those who sell darkness, who go around speaking evil, declaring curses, telling people that everything is hopeless and there is no solution. No, that is not Christianity,” Archbishop Muheria added.
To those facing different kinds of challenges, the Catholic Church leader reaffirmed the foundation of Christianity, saying, “Christ is the Victor. Christ has conquered. Christ is King. Christ reigns.”
“Christ is the One who lifts us up, who walks with us, defends us, and protects us,” he said, and added, “These words are for all those who are in distress and difficulty. These words are for all those who are oppressed whether in families, in sickness, in the economy, in nations and governance. To all of them, we offer words of hope.”
The Local Ordinary of Nyeri cautioned against discouraging and spreading false information to others with an aim to hurt them, saying, “Let us not get used to selling people empty words, false words, words without direction, words without meaning, but let us tell them the truth, because the truth will set us free.”
“Let hope continue, and let us be ambassadors of hope to all at home in our families, in our communities, and in our nation,” he said and implored, “May Almighty God bless us, guide us with hope, and be a light to our feet on our journey.”
Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.
