By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Secretary Lira Diocese
On the occasion of Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day, Rt Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Diocese delivered a heartfelt homily centered on the theme, “ A Nation Blessed When It Walks in Truth and Justice.” Drawing from the Scriptures -Malachi 3:13–20, Psalm 1:1–6, and Luke 11:5–13- Bishop Wanok reminded Ugandans that true freedom goes beyond political independence and calls for moral and spiritual renewal.
Gratitude and Reflection
The Bishop opened his message with thanksgiving, honoring the courage of Uganda’s founders, the beauty of the land, and the resilience of its people. However, he cautioned that “true independence is not only political. It is freedom of the heart, freedom from sin, greed, and fear.”
Referencing the prophet Malachi, Bishop Wanok noted the clear distinction between those who forget God and the humble who fear Him. “God says: ‘They shall be mine, my special possession” he explained. The psalmist’s words further emphasize this truth: the just are like flourishing trees planted by streams of water, while the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind.
In the Gospel, Jesus encourages persistent prayer: “Ask, seek, knock.” Bishop Wanok urged the nation to continually seek wisdom and integrity from God to sustain its freedom.
Addressing the Shadow of Corruption
While celebrating independence, Bishop Wanok issued a stern warning about the pervasive corruption undermining Uganda’s progress. He lamented how corruption has infiltrated institutions—government offices, schools, hospitals—and even hearts.
“This is not only about stolen money; it is about stolen trust, stolen hope, and stolen future,” he said. When bribery, dishonesty, and injustice prevail, the entire nation suffers. Quoting Malachi again, he warned that “all the arrogant and evildoers will be stubble, and the day that comes shall burn them up.”
Bishop Wanok emphasized that corruption is a spiritual wound reflecting a rejection of God’s guidance. Only those who walk in truth, like the tree in Psalm 1, can bear lasting fruit. A society that embraces corruption ultimately destroys its own roots.
A Call to Conversion and Renewal
Despite the challenges, the Bishop offered hope through the Gospel’s promise. “Jesus says, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you,’” he reminded the faithful. Uganda’s renewal is possible if its people earnestly seek God.
He encouraged every family to become a “school of honesty” and every institution to embody service rather than self-interest. Leaders must persistently seek God’s wisdom, just as the persistent friend in the Gospel knocks on the door. This, Bishop Wanok assured, will lead Uganda to rise again, strong in justice and peace.
A Prayer for Uganda’s Future
Concluding his homily, Bishop Wanok called on all Ugandans to renew their commitment to integrity and justice. “Let every Ugandan pray: ‘Lord, make me an instrument of integrity. Teach me to say no to corruption, to love my neighbour, to work honestly, and to seek the common good,’” he urged.
He also prayed for the nation’s leaders to govern with fear of God, for the youth to believe that righteousness still pays, and for Uganda to become, “God’s treasured possession, a light of peace and justice in Africa.”
In his final blessing, Bishop Wanok prayed:
“May the Lord who began a good work in us complete it. May His Spirit renew our land, purify our hearts, and guide Uganda in the paths of truth and life. And may our independence always lead us closer, not to pride, but to God’s freedom and mercy. Amen.”
End
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