‘Bless those who wrong you,’ Kenyan bishop urges Christians

BUNGOMA, Kenya — Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya of Kenya’s Diocese of Bungoma has urged Christians to pray for those who hurt or mistreat them and to set aside their differences when gathering for worship.

In his homily during the consecration of St. Mark’s Ojamii Catholic Parish church on Nov. 5, Kadima reflected on Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist amid betrayal.

“Jesus Christ instituted the Eucharist at the time he was betrayed. Despite the pain, suffering, and betrayal, he gave us a lasting blessing,” he said.

The Kenyan bishop called on Christians to follow this example in their relationships with others.

“This teaches us that even when someone wrongs us, we should still bless them. Even when we are hurt or mistreated, we should come to church, pray, and ask God to bless others,” he said. “This is a place where we should leave our differences behind and say, ‘May everyone be blessed.’”

Kadima emphasized the importance of the church as a place for prayer and the celebration of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. He encouraged the faithful to participate in worship despite difficulties in their personal and family lives.

“Coming to church does not…