1. Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5, 6
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
John 1:29-34
2. Biblical
Reflection
·
Keeping track of history helps people connect from generation
to generation. The reading from Isaiah shows how Israel as a nation needs to be
brought back to the Lord, implying it has failed as a nation. It needs not only
to be raised up but to be made a light to its neighbours, to the nations. Its
past victories, well-being, and greatness have collapsed, making it now a
laughingstock, hopeless, ashamed, and regretful. The intervention of the
prophet restores pride and gives the people hope that God will manifest his
power and glory through his faithful servant.
·
Israel is the servant God uses to manifest his glory
to the world. This servant must identify with the reality of the lowly in
society: the poor, the weak, the defeated, the oppressed.
·
Like the servant Israel, we are all called to a
mission, to reach out to all, in all spheres of life. We must give hope to the lowest
of our citizenry. We must be a bright light that shines to restore confidence
and order.
·
As faithful, our voices must be heard in political and
economic circles, in schools and health sectors, to propagate the spirit of harmony
and unity and the equal distribution of resources. We must instruct the masters
of deceit, corruption, and crime to change and live well.
·
St. Paul’s greeting to the Corinthians reminds us of
our call, as people sanctified by Christ, to be holy.
·
The Gospel presents Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes
away the sins of the world to save us from evil and extermination.
3. Link
with the Social Doctrine of the Church
The
ultimate source of human rights is not found in the mere will of human beings,
in the reality of the State, in public powers, but in man himself and in God
his Creator. These rights are “universal, inviolable, inalienable” CSDC* No.
153.
·
The Church is constantly in the front line, giving
hope and direction to citizens at all levels. It teaches all categories of
people to find their roles and complement each other in nation building. If a
political elite is in the forefront it should be there to ensure strong citizen
participation in affairs that bring true development.
The gospel precept of charity enlightens Christians as
to the deepest meaning of political life. In order to make it truly
human, “no better way exists ... than by fostering an inner sense of justice,
benevolence and service for the common good, and by strengthening basic beliefs
about the true nature of the political community and about the proper exercise
and limits of public authority” CDSC* No. 392.
·
Catholic social teaching clearly spells out that the
political community must pursue the common good and seek to create a human
environment that lets citizens truly exercise their human rights.
4. Yes,
Kenya matters
Experience in society has been
that one who excels through physical and human powers becomes the victor and
the one to be emulated. The one who challenges other competitors and takes the
lead position is the icon, the ideal, the most wanted and appreciated, no
matter what the competition is about.
·
Our vocation as human beings is to bring the light of
Christ to all so that there may be peace, harmony, solidarity, and happiness. Our
lives are too often marked by pseudo-happiness. Material and worldly victories,
success and power have made humanity do a U-turn into pride, immorality, greed,
rudeness, crime, and dissociation. Ostensibly great achievements can create a
separatist, individualistic, and self-centred attitude that keeps people from
seeing the needs of others, and joy may come at their expense.
·
Kenyan society is at a crossroads. The political arena
remains unsettled and county governments have not yet assumed their roles to
bring harmony and change. Moreover, rivalry disfigures national unity, seriously
reducing the development of good will among leaders. Supremacy in leadership
torments our governance. Ethnic intolerance is acted out in savagely designed
animal theft, terrorist attacks, and the IDP resettlement process.
·
How to explain that county assembly members go on
strike? A government on strike! And the ICC process has taken on a new
dimension. How can Kenyans be convinced that impunity will finally end? Does
holding political office guarantee getting away with crime?
· Leaders and eminent
persons in Kenya straddle a fence. They throw stones at each side, according to
their convenience and individual advantage. Even their sweet and honourable
speech sends confusing signals to others. They don’t respond as expected to the
needs and realities of the masses. A moving line in Imbuga’s play “Betrayal in
the City” says, in a biblical cadence, “May God open your eyes to the
suffering of your people.”
5. African
Wisdom
·
Whoever prides in the misery of others ignores a
divine living.
· Those who treasure
happiness treasure also the Creator’s plan.
6.
Questions for reflection in SCCs
·
What issues in society bring pride to some while
diminishing others?
·
If the Gospel is the light to Christian living, how are
Christians enlightened by it?
*CSDC: Compendium
of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Pauline
Publications Africa.
Outline
prepared by the Catholic Justice and Peace Committee of Rumuruti Mission, and
edited by a team of RSCK-JPIC, the
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Religious Superiors’
Conference of Kenya.
