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Pope In Kenya: Homily during Mass at the University of Nairobi

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

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On Thursday, November 26, 2015, following the conclusion of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Meeting with Kenyan Leaders, Pope Francis celebrated his first Mass in Kenya the University of Nairobi. Read the full text of his homily below:
Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis
Nairobi, Central Park
Thursday, 26 November 2015
God’s word speaks to us in the depths of our heart.  Today God tells us that webelong to him.  He made us, we are his family, and he will always be there for us. “Fear not”, he says to us, “I have chosen you and I promise to give you myblessing” (cf. Is 44:2).
We hear this promise in today’s first reading.  The Lord tells us that in thedesert he will pour forth water on the thirsty land; he will cause the children ofhis people to flourish like grass and luxuriant willows.   We know that thisprophecy was fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  But wealso see it fulfilled wherever the Gospel is preached and new peoples becomemembers of God’s family, the Church.  Today we rejoice that it was fulfilled in thisland. Through the preaching of the Gospel, we have all become part of the great Christian family.
Isaiah’s prophecy invites us to look to our own families, and to realize how important they are in God’s plan.  Kenyan society has long been blessed with strong family life, a deep respect for the wisdom of the elderly and love for children.  The healthof any society always depends on the health of its families.  For their sake, and forthe good of society, our faith in God’s word calls us to support families in theirmission in society, to accept children as a blessing for our world, and to defend thedignity of each man and woman, for all of us are brothers and sisters in the onehuman family.
In obedience to God’s word, we are also called to resist practices which fosterarrogance in men, hurt or demean women, do not look after the elderly and threaten the life of the innocent unborn.  We are called to respect and encourage oneanother, and to reach out to all those in need. Christian families have this specialmission: to radiate God’s love, and to spread the life-giving waters of his Spirit.  Thisis especially important today, for we are seeing the growth of new deserts created by a culture of materialism selfishness and indifference to others.
Here, in the heart of this University, where the minds and hearts of newgenerations are being shaped, I appeal in a special way to the young people ofthe nation.  Let the great values of Africa’s traditions, the wisdom and truth ofGod’s word, and the generous idealism of your youth guide you in working to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity.  Mayyou always be concerned for the needs of the poor, and reject everything that leadsto prejudice and discrimination, for these things, we know, are not of God.
All of us are familiar with Jesus’ parable about the man who built his house on sand, rather than rock.  When the winds came, it fell with a mighty crash (cf. Mt 7:24-27). God is the rock on which we are called to build.  He tells us this in the firstreading, and he asks us: “Is there a God besides me?” (cf. Is 44:8).
When the Risen Jesus says, in today’s Gospel, “All authority in heaven and onearth has been given to me” (Mt 28:18), he is telling us that he, the Son of God, is himself the rock.  There is none besides him.  As the one Saviour of mankind, hewishes to draw men and women of every time and place to himself, so that hecan bring them to the Father.  He wants all of us to build our lives on the firmfoundation of his word.
And that is the charge which the Lord gives to each of us.  He asks us to bemissionary disciples, men and women who radiate the truth, beauty and life-changing power of the Gospel. Men and women who are channels of God’s grace,who enable his mercy, kindness and truth to become the building blocks of a housethat stands firm.  A house which is a home, where brothers and sisters at last live inharmony and mutual respect, in obedience to the will of the true God, who has shown us, in Jesus, the way to that freedom and peace for which all hearts long.
May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the rock on whom we build our lives, guide youand your families in the way of goodness and mercy all the days of your lives. May he bless all Kenyans with his peace.
“Stand strong in faith!  Do not be afraid!”  For you belong to the Lord.
Mungu awabariki! [God bless you!]
Mungu abariki Kenya! [God bless Kenya!]
--
CNS photo/Paul Haring


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