The actions of bishops and all heads of the church must reflect the works of Christ Jesus, that was Pope Francis’ message to religious leaders.
Just after delivering a powerful message to the youth at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani, the Pope went for a closed door meeting with the Catholic Bishops in Kenya at the VIP section where he spoke openly.
According to the Right Reverend Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, Bishop of Kakamega, the Pope poured out his heart to fellow clergy.
“The Holy Father said we are all servants of the people first. As such, it is important that our actions must reflect the works of Christ Jesus. The Pope also reiterated the call that he made to members of the Catholic clergy yesterday to embrace selflessness,” Bishop Obanyi told The Standard on Saturday.
Pope Francis told fellow Bishops that even though the Lord has called them to serve, there are some who have failed in that call.
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On Wednesday, while addressing the members of the Catholic clergy at St Marys School in Nairobi, Pope Francis made reference to several Bible readings on the call to serve.
He said: “In the Gospel, we read of someone who wanted to walk the path but the Lord said no. Following Jesus in the priesthood on consecrated life, you have to go through the door and the door is Christ. He calls, does the work but there are some who want to go in through the window; not good,” he told off errant priests.
The Pope warned such clergymen that they ought to change their ways if they are to continue in the calling.
“Please, if some of you have come in through the window, hug them and explain to them that it is better for them to go and serve the Lord elsewhere. That work which did not begin by the Lord Jesus through the door will not end well,” said Pope Francis.
While explaining what it means to be called; Pope Francis explained to the Bishops, priests, brothers and nuns that one must live like someone who has been chosen by Christ himself.
“I am rather stuck by the beginning of Ezekiel chapter 16, ‘I was son of strangers left to one side; I passed, I cleaned you and I carried you with me. That is what the Lord saw when he looked at us but there are some who do not know why the Lord calls them and they feel in their heart that they are called; they should be at peace because the Lord will make them understand why he has called them,” the Pontiff said.
Pope Francis pointed out that there are others who claim to live for the Lord but they have other interests.
To explain his point the Pope gave the biblical example of the mother of James and John who made selfish requests to Jesus.
“When you cut the cake, please, give the biggest slice to my sons; one on your right and one on your left,” the Bible reads.
He spoke against such desires to follow Christ because of money and power instead of service.
He said, “All of us can say that when you began to follow the Lord, such a thought may have passed your minds ...”
Apart from the admonishment, the Holy Papa also had personal moments with the Catholic Bishops and spoke words of inspiration and encouragement.
“I feel blessed, he has given the Bishops a very powerful message to guide all of us in our pastoral duty,” revealed Bishop Obanyi.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo described Pope Francis as a man of great honour and inspiration.
“The meeting between the Holy Father and the Bishops was a private gathering but I can assure you that I had a wonderful experience hosting the Pope,” said ambassador Balvo.
“He is a very simple man but hosting him is a lot of work and can always bring lots of tension and nerves. In the end, as he leaves for Uganda, I can only hope that the Central African Republic programme can be fulfilled, that they can do it and nothing happens,” said the Nuncio.
