Slave In Master's House?

The Gospel reading of today's Sunday posed a valid question to ponder on in my personal reflection upon my own life and attitude. When I come for Sunday Mass to the church, do I enter it as a slave in the Master's house? Or do I enter it as a beloved son of God in the Loving and Merciful Father's House?

We have asked this question ourselves today in the Holy Mass when we reflected upon this Gospel's passage in the homily. And it appeared to many of us that we feel and act as slaves in the Master's House, trying to fulfill our duties and obligations, God's and Church commandments out of fear of God, fear of sin or pure sense of responsibility. Perhaps we have stopped in developing our living relationship with God at the point where this kind of cold, accountant-like, business-like relationship is the ultimate what we can think of.

Where is the space for love in this kind of relationship with God?

What is our treasure to which our hearts are powerfully drawn? Is it Loving and Merciful God? Or someone or something else?

What is my genuine motivation to be and live as Christian, the Child of God and the living member of His family - the Holy Church?

Is my keeping God's commandments, Church commandments and fulfilling my duties in the community based on sense of responsibility and duty rather than genuine love of God?

Food for thought.

Into The Unknown

The first day of August marks the beginning of my one week long or so holidays after the hectic July with the most important week of the year 14-20/7/2013 - the ordination of our deacon Augustino Barageti Mapambano, children's fiesta in honor of the newly ordained priests and Thanksgiving Mass of Fr. Augustino in his family home.

Our guest and volunteer, Jane, who decided to spend her annual holidays with us in Kiabakari, has finished her work in our pre-school and yesterday we flew in to Dar es Salaam. Thank God she returned safely back home to Rome, Italy, and sent me a SMS around noon time saying that she is indeed back home.

So, I can begin my short vacations now. Today I went around the town visiting various dealers and suppliers for our development projects, finalizing process of picking up medical equipment for our health center.

Tomorrow morning I will set off from Dar es Salaam heading down south in my quest to visit and explore the so called Southern Circuit. This is the unknown territory to me. Never been there so far. It will take some 2,500 km in general by car, getting me first to Kilwa Kivinje, Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa Kisiwani, then to Selous Game Reserve, Lindi, Mtwara, Masasi, Tunduru, Songea, Makambako, Iringa, Morogoro and back to Dar es Salaam.

I do hope for some good photo opportunities, relaxing time and delicious seafood on the way. All this in my quest to clear up my head from the stress of organizing the past events, restoring my serenity and inner strength to tackle the remaining months of this year and - in particular - finishing successfully our development projects.

Let the adventure begin!

The Summit

We have been talking about this week for years now. At least since Augustino Mapambano entered the major seminary. It seemed to be so far away in time at that point. But as Swahili proverb rightly says - 'Hayawi, hayawi, yamekuwa!' (not yet, not yet, it is done! in a free translation) - THE WEEK has finally came upon us. The Summit of the Year of Faith in Kiabakari. I think we are ready to tackle the challenge, but who knows. The next six days will tell the truth. We tried our best but doubts will always be there till it is over this Saturday afternoon.

We have been praying Novena to Divine Mercy for the protection of Divine Providence and blessings we need in fulfilling our responsibilities. We ask you, my esteemed readers, to keep your fingers crossed for us and pray for us all involved in the preparations of the ordination, children's fiesta and thanksgiving Mass. I appreciate your kind spiritual involvement in our challenge.

God bless Mapambano! God bless Kiabakari! God bless us all!

All are welcome for the celebrations starting this Thursday.