By
Charles Muchiri
 |
| Pope Francis |
A downpour;
lots of downpour and long security queues that turned a little more
disorganized, never mind, I nothing would spot most Roman Catholic faithful in
Kenya from attending Pope Francis’ first Holy Mass in Africa.
Noting that the Kenyan society has
long been blessed with strong family life, a deep respect for the wisdom of the
elderly and love for children, the Holy Father pointed out that the health of
any society always depends on the health of its families.
“For their sake, and for the good of
society, our faith in God’s word calls us to support families in their mission
in society, to accept children as a blessing for our world, and to defend the
dignity of each man and woman, for all of us are brothers and sisters in the
one human family,” Pope Francis said in his Homily.
The Pope pointed out that in
obedience to God’s word, everyone has a call to resist practices which foster
arrogance in men, hurt or demean women, do not look after the elderly and
threaten the life of the innocent unborn.
“We are called to respect and
encourage one another, and to reach out to all those in need. Christian
families have this special mission: to radiate God’s love, and to spread the
life-giving waters of his Spirit. This is especially important today, for
we are seeing the growth of new deserts created by a culture of materialism
selfishness and indifference to others,” he said.
The 78 years old Pontiff reminded
the thousands of Christians who had thronged the University of Nairobi
graduation grounds that they have to take up the call of God to be missionary
disciples, men and women who radiate the truth, beauty and life-changing power
of the Gospel. He added; “Men and women who are channels of God’s grace, who
enable his mercy, kindness and truth to become the building blocks of a house
that stands firm.”
He called upon Christians to ‘build’
a house which is a home, where brothers and sisters at last live in harmony and
mutual respect, in obedience to the will of the true God, who has shown us, in
Jesus, the way to that freedom and peace for which all hearts long.
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