Let’s “kneel, pray for peace”, Bishop in Tanzania Calls for Spiritual Solidarity with Violent Conflict Victims Globally

The Auxiliary Bishop of Dar es Salaam since his Episcopal Consecration in September 2021 appealed for prayers for the souls of those who have died in the highlighted circumstances, saying, "As we pray today, we also pray for them,"

He went on to call upon the people of God to seek true peace, which he said needs to be guided by the love of God and respect for human dignity.

In his November 2 homily, the Tanzanian member of the Order of St. Augustine (OSB) also cautioned the people of God against “intense jealousy”, which he said “now dominates our lives." 

Jealousy that combines with “greed for wealth and power” are contributing to increased insecurity and arbitrary killings, he observed, and warned against treating others as rivals to be eliminated.

"We must not think we have the authority to take another person’s life at will, as if we have taken the place of God," Bishop Musomba said, calling for "responsibility and accountability in various fields."

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He also cautioned against harmful legal provisions that do not safeguard human life. “As a human being, I have a duty to protect life, and I do not have the authority to take life which is a gift from God," the Catholic Church leader said during November 2 Eucharistic celebration.

Reflecting on Martha’s encounter with Jesus following the death of her brother, Lazarus, Bishop Musomba encouraged the people of God to seek Jesus Christ for guidance to understand the path meant for them and allow Him, the light of the world, to illuminate it. 

"Jesus tells her (Martha), 'your brother has not died; he will rise.' I, who am speaking to you, am the resurrection and the life.’ Here Martha awakens, she is enlightened, and realizes the one speaking to her is the resurrection and the life, which is why she confesses her faith, fully understanding, ‘He is the Messiah, He is Christ,' and she recognizes the right path to follow," he said.

Bishop Musomba continued, "As we pray for the souls of our faithful departed, let us also seek that light to profess our faith.”

“May we stay steadfast, remain in prayer, converse with our Creator, and seek repentance whenever we fall," he implored during the November 2 Holy Mass in honor of all the faithful departed.