SUNDAY CHRISTIAN?

By Rev. Deacon Samuel Nyonje 

Dear friends, have you wondered how this pandemic has caused the modern Church? Citing today's (25th July 2020) Saturday Standard paper on the columnist page 16, Arch- bishop Anthony Muheria- the Arch-bishop of the Catholic Arch-diocese of Nyeri and the interfaith chair. The Arch-bishop calls for the need of modern Church to use modern technology in evangelization during this difficult times caused by covid-19. 

Taking for instance the ages locked from attending Sunday's liturgy <13 & > 58 years. These are the most devout Christians and faithful, I don't mean others aren't devote. However all ministers should think of Sunday's Liturgy outside Sunday. The senior and junior Christians should be shepherd as well lest we lose them during and after this fight.

Look at the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, In the Gospel according to St. Mark 8:1-34, presents Jesus's ministry outside Sabbath, how he healed and tender to the needs of crowds. Even after he's locked / chased the synagogue, he used alternative means of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

Citing examples, the healing f Centurions servant (Mark 8:5-13), healing of Simon's mother-in-law ( Mark 8:14-17), healing of demonic man ( Mark 8:28-34. This is encouraging, live ministry outside Sabbath, outside the synagogue. 

Much interesting, we shouldn't worry where we will get vocations to both religious and priestly life. Vocation promoters as well should not tire during this pandemic. Jesus called Matthew outside synagogue ( Mark 9:9-13).

But there should be an intense thought on Sunday's Christians, this might be dangerous for the future Church. It's been reported how lives are lost, especially to our young youths. How young families are in turmoil, how catechumens are lost into the world. The apostolate today should be extended outside Sunday liturgy, not only for Church needs but to sustain the Kingdom of God lest we lose many to the evil one.

"Let's look for new methods of reaching the elderly and those hombound due to sickness. Let us technology innovatively ..." ( Arch-bishop Muheria - Saturday standard paper July 25th 2020). To bring this to actuality, our Christians too should embrace the Church during and after this pandemic.

Like Peter, James and John, to whom we honor today St. James, their presence at Mt. Olives and Tabor was a consolation and strength to Christ our Lord. Like Mary Magdaline, Mary wife of Cleophas, Mary Mother of God at the foot of the Cross of Jesus, the Church is at the Cross today. Though Many have used this pandemic as an excuse to exit the Church ( Mathw 13:20-21), all people of Good will should remember their identity as Christians.

Similarly, it's a time too that the Church should reach out and feed the hungry flock, ...you give them something to eat ( Mathew 14:16), console the depressed flock, heal the sick flock. These the Father gave us and none of them should be lost, but our prayer that all may be ONE. Like Jesus's prayer, the Church of Christ should imitate this too and make it her daily prayer, "...I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled..."

Thanks all and God bless you abundantly.

Rev. Deacon. Samuel Muhanji Nyonje 

+254708607911

Samuel.nyonje@yahoo.com

nyonjes146@gmail.com