St. Clare Parish Kasarani conducts seminar to the Christians
DAY ONE
Christians from St. Clare parish have been taken through a six-day seminar highlighting various sections of their faith and how to get closer to God. Madam Charity Mwontune from Tanzania was the facilitator for the several days the seminar took place.
The first day saw the attendees taught about God’s immense love for us.
Isaiah 43:3-18 reminds us of the extraordinary love of God for Israel. Even though they were once scattered and lost, the Lord promised to unite them again from distant lands. He loves them with the same strength.
Isaiah 49:16 reminds us that, just as the Lord never forgot Jerusalem, he will also not forget us.
Even when we fall into sin and forget the lord, he never forgets us and that is why he gave his only beloved son for our sake.
Even when we have put ourselves under God’s curse by for example, not tithing properly he is still Merciful when we truly give him what is due to him. On matters tithing we were reminded to stop cheating God so as not to put ourselves under God’s curse. Instead, we should give to God what is due to him so that he may bless us beyond our imagination. Malachi 3:6-12
There are 3 types of curses. Curses from God, curses from the church and curses in our families. Through God’s mercy we can break free from these curses. All we need is to trust in the power of the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit.
DAY TWO
The day was fiery.
The Christians were taken through the steps of breaking from curses, forgiveness, consequences of being unforgiving, why we should forgive, obstacles to forgiving & when to forgive.
On consequences of being unforgiving, Madam Charity demonstrated how unforgiveness entangles us and lays on our shoulder’s heavy burdens.
As Christians we should not let unforgiveness weigh us down. We should forgive as Christ does. An unforgiving heart suffers immensely and does not know peace. Sometimes we suffer conditions like blood pressure because of being unforgiving. To truly be free and happy we ought to always forgive. According to Madam Charity it is ridiculous to go to Mass heavy laden. Mass is an experience that should bring healing but often, we do not receive that healing because we go to Mass carrying a lot of burdens. We should not shy away from asking for forgiveness and when you have truly asked someone to forgive you, you should set yourself free even if the person you are asking forgiveness from refuses to accept your apology. Once you have done your part live free and happy.
DAY THREE
Day three saw the Christians taken through sacraments, prayer and reading & meditating on the word of God daily.
Sacraments are a way of salvation. They mark us with holiness. As Christians we shouldn’t see forces of darkness working against us all the time.
Madam Charity touched on the sacrament of penance in a special way. We do not use this sacrament as often as we should. Some have not used it for years and years. Individualism (my truth is the truth) has barred us from this beautiful sacrament. We no longer sin in our own wisdom. But this is very far from the truth. We need to admit that we are sinners in need of God’s mercy through the sacrament of penance as often as possible. We need to ask Christ to set us free and help us break free from curses. Romans 10:13-14
When we call to the Lord, he will save us. But first we need to hear and believe God’s message through his anointed ones (the priests).
Revelation 3:20 reminds us that Jesus is standing at the door knocking and waiting for you to open so that he can eat with you and you with him. So, we have no excuse for wallowing in our sins. Christ is always ready to forgive us and take us back.
Madam Charity explained in detail the importance of teaching our children how to pray. She said that the small prayers parents teach their children now, will multiply as they grow. The right values we instill in our children will help them to become disciplined teens and adults. “A child with the right upbringing would not think of burning a school.” Madam charity commented.
On the Rosary, Madam Charity reiterated that it should be used for prayer and not for hanging on your neck or in front of your car. She concluded the session by calling on all attendees to live a sacramental life in their families.
DAY FOUR
WALKING WITH CHRIST
Madam Charity started the session by noting that it is not possible to be Christ’s followers without the holy spirit. Jn 14:16 reminds us of Jesus’ promise of a helper to his disciples who would stay with them forever.
Jesus’ apostles got courage to evangelize when they received the holy spirit on Pentecost.
When we pray, we get the immense outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Lk 11:9-13
To receive the holy spirit, we must turn away from our sins and believe in Jesus. Mk 1:15
We are called to pray for the holy spirit to descend upon us.
The result of receiving the holy spirit are different gifts we have as God’s children. 1cor 12:4-11
Without the guidance of the holy spirit we have bad leaders, infidelity, neglecting our families, being show-offs, lukewarm etc.
When we have the gifts of the holy spirit, we need to help each other. And when we do so we enjoy the fruits of the holy spirit. Gal 5:22-23
Love is the greatest of all the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
We are called to get rid of the obstacles that prevent us from experiencing the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
DAY FIVE
Day five the Church was a place that was literally outpouring with mercy. The topic of the day was PENANCE/THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
After the teaching session we had Adoration and the sacrament of penance. Around our beautiful church compound 5 priests were strategically placed to give confession to all who had prepared.
DAY SIX
Walking Together with Jesus
The final day of the seminar was a foretaste of the climax. We learned about being part of the church actively. The church is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit Acts of apostles 2:41-47. When we gather, we pray, break the bread and help each other. One cannot truly be a member of the church by name only. You got to be Involved in the different activities that happen in the church, ecclesial groups and small Christian communities. One must claim their Blessings by helping develop the church in its different needs.
It is sad that some of us don’t go to Jumuiya because of enmity with neighbors and pride. We should not do this because Jumuiya is an extension of the church. The church is one body with different parts. Each part has its place and function because the holy spirit gifts us differently. With love the church functions properly.
By – Lucy PCA, St. Clare Kasarani Parish
