His message, delivered in commemoration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion made reference to scriptures from the Biblical book of Mathew, where two accounts of Jesus’ resurrection used the same statement amid terrifying events of the day.
Do not be afraid, even in the
face of coronavirus, an imminent threat to the human race, the Archbishop of
the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Samuel
Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has told Christians.
His message, delivered in
commemoration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion made reference to scriptures from
the Biblical book of Mathew, where two accounts of Jesus’ resurrection used the
same statement amid terrifying events of the day.
The first reference is based on
an interaction between an Angel, Mary Magdalene and another Mary who went to
see the tomb, where Jesus was buried. However, they were suddenly greeted by an
earthquake as an Angel descended from heaven and, rolled away the stone.
“Do not be afraid, for I know
that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has
risen, just as he said,” The Angel told the women, who appeared to be trembling
in fear.
Moments later, Jesus himself
appeared to the same women, using the same words; “Do not be Afraid.” From
there he commissioned them to go to and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen
and from the dead and they were due to meet him in Galilee,” the Archbishop
quoted the scripture.
"We have our fears about how
to find school fees and food, we fear for our jobs, we still have concerns
about politics and the upcoming elections, Churches fear where their income
will come from when Christians are not allowed to gather on Sundays. And, now,
we also have fears because of the return of the locusts in northern Uganda,
Karamoja, and Teso," he said.
Do not be Afraid, Kaziimba
reiterated adding that these fears are like stones in people's hearts which, however, will be washed away through prayer and dedication.
//Cue in; “the Lord said…
Cue out...can face tomorrow.”//
Luganda //Cue in; “mu Matayo
essula…
Cue out..ebitasoboka bisoboka.”//
The Archbishop noted that this
year's Easter is very unique since there is no gathering together to celebrate
Jesus’ victory over death. But, he added, that the Church continues to seek
God’s face to intervene in the current situation and heal the land from
locusts, diseases, all forms of suffering and death, as a result of coronavirus
disease.
He added that all Church of
Uganda dioceses will hold a massive general Thanksgiving, on the first Sunday
after all restrictions on Church, gatherings are lifted.
//Cue in; “when that day…
Cue out…children and
grandchildren.”//
He said that even during this
extraordinary season, where lives have been significantly disrupted by the
closures of churches, schools, businesses and restrictions on movements,
Ugandans need to obey the directives by the government so they defeat COVID-19. He, however, appealed to the security officers to desist from mistreating citizens.
//Cue in; “we also appeal…
Cue out...good at all.”//
Kaziimba also appealed to the government
to urgently provide Health workers with the necessary protective gear as they
confront the current crisis.
