The faithful of St. Andrew Kaggwa Small Christian Community/Kabondo gathered in prayer and reflection as they celebrated Mass on the Fifth Sunday of the Lenten season, with a strong call to conversion and renewed Christian living.
The Mass, which began at 12:30 PM, was led by Fr. Ronnie Kibagajjo, who guided the congregation through a deeply reflective homily centred on hope, faith, and the promise of new life in Christ.
Drawing from the First Reading in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Fr. Kibagajjo stressed God’s assurance to the people of Israel that He would “open their graves” and restore them to their land. He explained that this message was one of hope and renewal, reminding Christians that even in moments of despair, God has the power to restore what has been lost.
Referencing the Second Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans, the priest called on the faithful to reject the desires of the flesh and embrace a life rooted in the Spirit. He noted that the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are meant to purify believers and strengthen their spiritual lives, enabling them to live more fully as followers of Christ.
“Our lives must reflect Christ at all times,” Fr. Kibagajjo said. “We should not only be Christians in appearance, but in action, thought, and character.”
In his reflection on the Gospel from Gospel of John, which recounts the raising of Lazarus, the priest highlighted the deep friendship between Jesus and the family of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. He pointed out that even those closest to Christ experience suffering and moments of doubt.
Fr. Kibagajjo urged the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer and trust, even when God seems silent. “Like Martha and Mary, we may ask why Christ delays, but His timing brings greater purpose and deeper faith,” he said.
He also used the story to challenge misconceptions about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, clarifying that it is a sacrament of healing and hope, not a sign of impending death. He encouraged Christians to seek both spiritual and medical care in times of illness.
Reflecting on the moment when Jesus called Lazarus back to life after four days in the tomb, Fr. Kibagajjo reminded the congregation that no situation is beyond God’s power. “Even when all hope seems lost, Christ can restore life,” he said, urging believers to remove the “stones” of judgment and exclusion that prevent others from experiencing God’s mercy.
The homily also drew inspiration from the words of Thomas the Apostle, who declared his willingness to follow Christ even unto death. Fr. Kibagajjo encouraged the faithful to remain committed to Christ and the teachings of the Church, even in the face of challenges.
The celebration concluded with a call to deepen faith, embrace conversion, and seek new life in Christ as Easter approaches.
As part of their commitment to supporting parish development, members of the SCC, led by their SsabakristuMr. Kenneth Tekko, contributed UGX 500,000 towards ongoing parish projects.
The animated Mass served as both a spiritual renewal and a reminder of the Christian call to live authentically in Christ, especially during the Lenten season.
