In his homily, Bishop Wanok reflected on the readings of the day taken from the Book of Genesis (12:1–4), the Second Letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:8–10), and the account of the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Matthew (17:1–9). He centered his message on the theme: “Walking Together, Listening Together, Being Transfigured Together.”
By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira, Uganda – The Bishop of Lira diocese Rt Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok has called on Christians to embrace a journey of shared faith, deeper listening, and communal transformation on the occasion of Second Sunday of Lent (Year A).
In his homily, Bishop Wanok reflected on the readings of the day taken from the Book of Genesis (12:1–4), the Second Letter of St Paul the Apostle to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:8–10), and the account of the Transfiguration in the Gospel of Matthew (17:1–9). He centered his message on the theme: “Walking Together, Listening Together, Being Transfigured Together.”
A Call to Go Forth in Faith
Drawing from the call of Abram in Genesis, Bishop Wanok emphasized that God invites His people to move forward in trust, even without a clear roadmap.
“‘Go forth… to a land that I will show you,’” the bishop recalled, noting that Abram received a promise rather than detailed directions. He said this reflects the Church’s present journey, where believers are called to leave behind fear, rigidity, and comfort, and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“Our God is not static,” he said. “He is a God who calls, who sends, who walks with His people.”
Trust Rooted in Mercy
Referencing the Responsorial Psalm, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you”, the bishop underscored that unity within the Church begins with confidence in God’s mercy.
He noted that Christians walk together not because of perfection, but because they are loved by God. In a world marked by cultural and political divisions, he said, the Church is invited to rediscover shared hope grounded in divine kindness.
Bearing Hardship for the Gospel
Turning to St. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, Bishop Wanok acknowledged that the journey of faith is not without challenges. He encouraged believers to “bear hardship for the Gospel” with courage rooted in grace.
“Walking together means carrying one another’s burdens,” he said, stressing that the Christian vocation is founded not on human achievement but on God’s saving grace revealed in Christ.
Listening at the Heart of the Church
Reflecting on the Transfiguration, the bishop described the moment when Jesus revealed His glory before Peter, James, and John, alongside Moses and Elijah. He highlighted the voice of the Father: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”
He emphasized that listening is essential to the Church’s life.
“Before we speak, we must listen, first to Christ, then to one another,” Bishop Wanok said, adding that Christ must remain at the center of every Christian journey.
He also pointed out that after the disciples’ fear subsided, “they saw no one else but Jesus alone,” reminding the faithful that personal agendas and ideologies must give way to Christ.
From the Mountain to Mission
While Peter desired to remain in the glory of the mountaintop, Bishop Wanok observed that Jesus led the disciples back down to continue their journey toward the Cross and Resurrection.
Moments of prayer and reflection, he said, are meant to strengthen believers for service, especially to the poor, the wounded, and those who feel unheard.
A Lenten Path of Transformation
Concluding his homily, Bishop Wanok described Lent as a communal path of transformation. He urged Christians to move forward in faith like Abram, trust in the Lord’s mercy, endure hardship for the Gospel, and listen attentively to Christ.
“May this Lenten journey transfigure us not individually only, but as a people walking together so that the world may see, through us, the light of Christ,” he prayed.
The bishop’s message resonated with the faithful as they continue their Lenten observance, reflecting on how to grow together in faith, unity, and hope.
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