As the Catholic Church approaches the close of the liturgical year, the Bishop of Lira Diocese has urged the faithful to deepen their commitment to justice, responsible living, and steadfast faith amid the growing unrest in the world.
Drawing his reflection from the readings of the 33rd Sunday, Year C, the Bishop reminded Christians that the Church intentionally turns its attention toward the “end times” at this moment of the liturgical calendar, not to instill fear, but to strengthen believers for the realities of life today.
Reflecting on the First Reading from the prophet Malachi 3:19-20, the Bishop noted that the coming “Day of the Lord” is portrayed as a blazing fire-one that destroys evil but heals those who fear God.
While preaching in Mass to the Community of Sacred Heart Sisters of Moyo at Nazareth Family Centre Barogole on the 33rd Sunday Year C the bishop encouraged Christians to rediscover the true meaning of the fear of God: “To fear God does not mean to be terrified of Him, but to honor Him with deep reverence, obedience, and trust. When we live in awe of God, He becomes our Sun of Justice, healing our wounds and guiding our lives.”
The Bishop added that reverence for God frees believers from the pressure of judging others or conforming to popular opinion. “God is the ultimate judge. Our task is to live faithfully before Him.”
Turning to St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians 3:7-12, the Bishop highlighted the apostle’s rebuke of idleness among early Christians who had misunderstood the message of the end times.
“St. Paul teaches us that responsible work is not a burden but a vocation,” the Bishop said. “Christians must be contributors, not consumers. Honest labor grounds our lives, supports our families, and strengthens our communities.”
He stressed that diligent work is an expression of Christian charity, ensuring that resources can reach those who truly cannot provide for themselves.
Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke 21:5-19, the Bishop acknowledged that Jesus speaks of wars, persecutions, and disasters, events that can easily unsettle believers.
But Jesus’ message, he said, is one of courage and endurance: “Do not be terrified. These events do not mean God has abandoned us. Instead, they are the very moments where our witness shines the brightest.”
The Bishop encouraged the faithful to remain firm in prayer, service, and trust, even when facing betrayal or hardship. “Christ assures us: ‘Not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.’”
He warned that the greatest danger in troubled times is not the challenges themselves, but the temptation to lose faith.
He urged Christians in Lira Diocese to embrace three spiritual commitments in the week ahead, calling them to revere God by living with integrity before the One who sees all and makes all things right, to work diligently by treating their daily duties not as burdens but as expressions of love and stability, and to stand firm in faith by holding fast to Jesus when the world shakes, trusting that through perseverance they will secure their very souls.
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