Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Eusebio Manangbao SVD – Kenya, Africa
Tuesday 3rd Week of Easter
In my early weeks in Kenya, I was introduced to the Maasai Chief, an elderly man, who asked me, “Young man, can you build a school? Can you build a hospital? Can you build a Church?”
I was dumbstruck, but holding my ground, I answered him, “If alone, I cannot do these, but together with you and your people, we can.” He extended a handshake followed by a deep embrace and said, “Father, welcome to Maasailand.” I lived and stayed in Maasailand for seven good years.
Living in a pastoralist and nomadic environment was very challenging. The area was remote, backward and crude. However, the simplicity of the people was what made life more interesting and happy. Simplicity and resilience to the harsh situation was my bread of life. It was what kept me moving and living my life with and among them.
St. Stephen in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, always fueled by the Bread of Life, endeavored till the end and endured the attacks and calumnies of his enemies, the Jews and the Teachers of the Law. He died with courage, total trust and forgiving love. Forgiving those who were stoning him to death was a beautiful reflection of how conformed he truly was to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.
I believe that union with Christ gives to the Church and us the courage to preach God’s salvation to the world without fear, and to approach God himself with perfect trust.
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