Rev Fr Mathias Kwehangana, the formator and vice rector of St Charles Lwanga Seminary Nyakibale in Rukungiri District, has asked Christians to remain focused on Jesus Christ when faced with life’s challenges, saying difficult circumstances should not shake their faith.
Fr Kwehangana made the call while delivering his homily during the second Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church Parish in Kabale Town on Sunday. Reflecting on the Gospel account of Jesus walking on water and Apostle Peter’s attempt to do the same, Fr Kwehangana said Christians often lose focus on God when overwhelmed by problems such as poverty, family conflicts, unemployment, betrayal, sickness, jealousy, hatred, broken marriages and addiction.
He said Peter began to sink after shifting his attention from Jesus to the strong winds and waves, urging Christians to similarly keep their eyes on Christ instead of allowing their problems to determine their faith.
Fr Kwehangana likened the Christian journey to that of an old man who continued crossing a dangerous river after a bridge had been destroyed by heavy rains. He said while other villagers feared crossing the river, the old man remained calm because he focused on the opposite bank, where his family was waiting, rather than staring at the raging waters.
He urged Christians to adopt the same approach by focusing on Christ amid challenges. Fr Kwehangana also encouraged Christians to listen to God’s “gentle voice” through prayer, Scripture, conscience and forgiveness rather than being distracted by what he described as the “many noises of sin”.
Reflecting on the first reading about Prophet Elijah, he said the prophet expected God to reveal Himself through dramatic events such as an earthquake, strong wind or fire, but God instead spoke to him through a gentle whisper. He urged Christians to create time for silent prayer, recommending at least 15 minutes each day to listen to God before engaging in other activities.
Fr Kwehangana further warned Christians against allowing social media, political divisions, the pursuit of money, alcoholism, corruption, infidelity and dishonesty to take the place of faith and family values. He particularly cautioned young people against engaging in fornication in pursuit of money and urged parents to protect their marriages and families against infidelity.
He also condemned corruption and theft of public resources, saying the pursuit of wealth should not undermine people’s relationship with God and others. Fr Kwehangana discouraged Christians from turning to witch doctors and charms in search of quick solutions to their problems, urging them instead to trust God through prayer.
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During the same Mass, Rev Fr Fred Birungi, the parish priest of Christ the King Catholic Church Parish, announced that the parish had elected new members of the Parish Council the previous month.
Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo was re-elected chairman of the Parish Council, while Alex Baguma was elected vice chairman. Counsel Justus Muhangi of Muhangi and Partners Advocates was elected secretary, businessman Cyril Mugyenyi became secretary for development, Rutooma Primary School head teacher Midius Asiimwe was elected vice secretary, while Evarist Taremwa became secretary for finance.
Fr Birungi implored Christians to work with and support the Parish Council members in promoting the development of the parish. He also commended Fr Alexander Muhumuza, the curate of Christ the King Parish and youth chaplain, who has been transferred to Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Parish in Ndorwa West County, Kabale District for his commitment to pastoral work, particularly his efforts to visit and pray for sick people in hospitals and homes during his three years at the parish.
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Tumukwasiibwe, the Parish Council chairman, also described Fr Muhumuza as an active and cooperative priest who promoted teamwork during his tenure at the parish.
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Fr Muhumuza will serve as curate at Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Parish in Ndorwa West County, Kabale District.
