Bishop Joseph Mbatia of Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu has called upon men to shun traditions that conflicts with God’s word and stand firm in their Christian faith.
Bishop Mbatia who was delivering a sermon during Diocesan Catholic Men Association (CMA) annual prayers Day on Saturday at The Mary Immaculate Cathedral, Nyahururu said the lure to turning to traditions is a great threat to men urging them to stand firm in their faith.
“Stand firm and be very courageous and do not allow yourself to be swayed by traditional practices that violates the word of God,” Bishop Mbatia added.
Additionally, he encouraged men to be differentiating good and culturally accepted traditional practices and those which violates God’s law.
Being stewards of their families the clergy called upon men to take their full responsibility not only in their homes, but also in churches as well as in the society.
“God is the beginner of family and He gave man full responsibility of taking care of the family and hence man should follow God’s laws to seek God’s guidance to run his family,” Bishop Mbatia noted.
He also called upon men to take lead in the church emulating Joshua who led Israelites after death of Moses noting that previously men were back benchers but now, they are actively on the forefront in serving God.
He urged men to emulate Joseph who was given responsibility of taking care of Jesus and his entire family; a role he played well even to a point of protecting the family by relocating to Egypt for safety of Jesus.
Bishop Mbatia challenged men to avoid negative vices such as abandoning their families, asking them to instead embrace godly values which are crucial as witness for their Christian faith to the society.
The bishop challenged those in political leadership to embrace godly values in their leadership in order to fast track prevalence of peace in the society.
On current political temperature in the country, Bishop called upon Christians to pray for the nation so as peace to prevail before, during and after the forth coming general elections.
The bishop cautioned politicians against utterances that can spark violence in the country as the nation moves towards next year’s general election.
“The period we are heading to can be good or bad. I’m afraid what is being said mirrors on what transpired before the 2007/2008 violence,” the Bishop noted.
The cleric praised Ol Kalou people for remaining peaceful during by-elections despite provocation by gun wielding goons adding that there are people who seem to be bent to ensure there is no peace in the country.
Bishop Mbatia urged people to keep off harmful political gatherings saying the day of election is not a matter of life and death.
“Don’t risk your life because even if you die the day of election will remain,” he warned adding that as Christians we need to pray for our leaders so that they (leaders) can be promoters of peace and unity in the country
The occasion was attended by members of the CMA drawn from the diocesan jurisdiction that covers Nyandarua and Laikipia counties.
Bishop Mbatia’s predecessor Louis Paiarro also attended.
by Kimani Tirus
