Rosemary Wanyoike

"This Advent calls us to make the world a better place to live for all," writes Sr. Rosemary Wanyoike, "especially the children, people with special needs and the economically vulnerable groups who suffer most." 

"To draw others to God," writes Sr. Rosemary Wanyoike, "we must fully immerse ourselves in ministry to bring out the best in another person while also transforming ourselves."

As I reflected on Easter, I realized that the death of Christ would be in vain if we did not practice what he taught us by his exemplary living. His actions during Holy Week demonstrate how we should live with each other.

The month of November is when the church reminds us to pray for our faithful departed. The month to pray for the dead is a time to thank God for them, and uphold the values and legacies they passed on to us.

Many people seem to view leadership as a place to show might and prestige, rather than a place of service. This reminds me of two women close to Jesus who asked for favors from him.

Jesus never shied away from teaching the truth — after all, he came that we may have life and have it to the full. Therefore, let us come out boldly and condemn the evil of blind faith. 

I chose to call 2023 "a year of collaboration." For any progress to happen, everyone's talent and opinion counts. This requires people to value, appreciate and listen to each other.

Easter is "the rain of our lives." It comes when we are almost giving up, and brings water to our drooping spirits. When the disciples were at their lowest point, the resurrected Jesus appeared to them.

As you prepare for Easter, go beyond the season's practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

This Advent was a unique experience for me. The phrase "I got the opportunity but did not make good use of it" is one I have heard often; but recently it spoke to me in a new way because it resonated with my experience.

Today's African children from less privileged backgrounds are on the brink of being deprived of a future, unless the governments and people of goodwill intervene and help them secure it.

Upon baptism, each Christian becomes eligible to replace the apostles. Many dedicated Christians have gone before us, and we are standing on their shoulders.

In our society the cohort between birth and age 15 is sometimes ignored — yet those are the formative years that give society its future adults. What we pass on to children today is what they will give back to our society.

With belief comes the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with this Jesus gives us the power to forgive. The ease with which we forgive shows that we are indeed people of resurrection.

As my forehead was signed with ashes, I was declaring to all that I will practice Lenten exercises fully, and that as I pray, fast and give alms, my relationship with God and my fellow humans will improve.

As people who share with Mary in her joy of Incarnation, let us become people of Visitation: moving out of our comfort zones and going out to share in the joy of others and mourn with those who are mourning.