The Bishop of the Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira, on Wednesday urged Christians to use the Lenten season as a time for deep self-reflection, encouraging them to examine their inner attitudes and grow in spiritual awareness.
While delivering his homily during the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Parliament of Uganda, Bishop Kibira emphasized the importance of understanding oneself and carefully reflecting on the convictions of the heart, spirit, and soul. He noted that genuine spiritual growth begins with an honest assessment of one’s inner life, urging believers to look beyond outward appearances and focus on the condition of their conscience.
The Bishop explained that the soul requires discipline and spiritual training in order to develop a positive inner attitude, which he described as the foundation of authentic spiritual life and personal growth. According to him, spiritual discipline involves regular prayer, fasting, meditation on God’s word, and a conscious effort to align one’s actions with Christian values. He stressed that without such spiritual commitment, individuals risk losing direction and becoming disconnected from their faith.
Bishop Kibira further noted that many people often focus excessively on external factors such as social status, influence, popularity, and material wealth, while neglecting the essential virtues that shape one’s inner being. He observed that society today tends to measure success by visible achievements rather than by moral character and spiritual maturity. He therefore challenged Christians to shift their focus from worldly recognition to the cultivation of virtues that reflect God’s presence in their lives.
He encouraged believers to reflect on qualities such as sincerity, honesty, simplicity, humility, and compassion, which he said are central to building a meaningful relationship with God and fostering harmony within society. These virtues, he explained, help individuals develop a strong moral foundation, promote peaceful coexistence with others, and nurture a spirit of service to the community.
The Bishop further described the Lenten season as a special period of renewal and transformation, calling on believers to carefully examine their daily conduct, seek repentance for their shortcomings, and strive to bring their souls closer to God through prayer, self-discipline, and acts of devotion. He reminded the faithful that Lent provides an opportunity to abandon negative habits, repair broken relationships, and renew their commitment to living according to Christian teachings.
He also encouraged Christians to engage in acts of charity and kindness, especially toward the poor, the vulnerable, and those in need, noting that such actions reflect true conversion of heart. According to Bishop Kibira, genuine faith is expressed not only in prayer but also in practical love and service to others.
In his concluding remarks, the Bishop called on the faithful to use this sacred season to strengthen their spiritual lives, deepen their relationship with God, and cultivate attitudes that promote genuine faith, moral integrity, and responsible living. He urged them to embrace the Lenten period as a journey of personal and communal transformation, leading to renewed hope, spiritual growth, and lasting inner peace.
