LIFE CHALLENGES || Seek divine intervention-Clerics

 DAR ES SALAAM: CLERICS have counselled Christians and Tanzanians, in general, to turn to divine intervention in times of distress, emphasising the power of faith and prayer to overcome life’s challenges.

Addressing congregants during Good Friday masses, religious leaders underscored the importance of seeking solace in God rather than resorting to drastic measures like suicide and fleeing their families.

Archbishop Beatusi Kinyaiya of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dodoma delivered a poignant message during a mass at St Paul of the Cross Cathedral, urging individuals facing difficulties not to despair but to seek refuge in Jesus Christ.

“Instead of contemplating suicide or fleeing from your families, run to Jesus on the cross. He understands suffering and is ready to provide comfort and guidance,” Archbishop Kinyaiya implored.

Archbishop Kinyaiya emphasised that Christ’s sacrifice serves as a profound reminder that God empathizes with human suffering and offers support to those in need.

“By remaining faithful to God, even in the face of adversity, one can find the strength to overcome challenges,” he asserted.

According to him, for Christ to be of help, one must remain faithful to Him, just as His apostles did. “If you remain faithful to God when you face challenges, He will give you the grace to overcome them. For example, a person who prays often is usually calm when faced with any challenge,” he said.

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary.

For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because they celebrate what they believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.

As followers of Jesus, he said each has chosen a vocation as some are priests, and still others have chosen to be police officers, nurses, doctors, or businesspeople. “We all have something we do in life.”

He said when anyone starts living out their chosen calling, they expect to find peace and great joy and never imagine that there would be challenges or problems.

“Even in our chosen careers, we encounter many problems. There are those who, for example, are not happy with the position you have and wish they were in your place. They may fight against you or you may be rejected in your workplace,” the Archbishop exemplified.

He added: “As if that is not enough, we also face other problems that are not related to our chosen vocations, such as illness or even death. In such situations, we need a place to hold on to.

Today, we are shown the way to hold on to Jesus Christ, for He is the one who will help us.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Reverend Father Christian Nchimbi of St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral Church in Dar es Salaam highlighted the significance of entrusting one’s life to God daily.

“Our relationship with God must not be confined to moments of crisis but should be nurtured throughout our lives. By aligning our actions with God’s will, we can find peace and salvation,” Reverend Nchimbi remarked.

The seven last words of Jesus on the cross, a focal point of meditation during Good Friday observances, offer solace and hope to Christians, according to Rev Nchimbi. These words, steeped in themes of love, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, and obedience, serve as guiding principles for believers navigating life’s trials.

In addition to spiritual guidance, the clergy acknowledged the myriad challenges individuals face in their professional and personal lives.

“Regardless of our vocations or circumstances, we all encounter obstacles and setbacks. However, through unwavering faith and reliance on God, we can persevere,” Archbishop Kinyaiya noted.

Another prelate, the Assistant Bishop (dean) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Eastern and Coastal Diocese (ELCT – ECD) Chediel Lwiza said doubt has no place in the Christian faith.

He emphasised that Christians must have unwavering faith in God’s power.

“Doubt should never cloud our belief in God’s ability to overcome any challenge. Through Scripture, we’ve witnessed His mighty deeds,” he urged.