From: Ouko joachim omolo
The News Dispatch with Omolo Beste
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013
Miriam from Nairobi writes: “Fr Omolo I read your article where Apostolic Nuncio planted tree to symbolize growth in our faith and I was really inspired by it. In an African tradition this has a deep meaning, especially among the Kikuyu communities where Mugumo trees are not supposed to be cut, and were used as venues during the performance of certain religious ceremonies like offering sacrifices and prayers.
Although Father I know that next Sunday begins the season of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and the start of the new liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church, but given your knowledge of explaining them in simple language and with a lot of inspirations, can you enlighten me what is required of us Christians during these seasons?”
I am glad Miriam that you were touched with the symbol of planting of the tree at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) by Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya- Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo to conclude the year of faith.
Your example of Mugumo trees (fig trees) tell it all. Among the Kikuyu communities these trees are sacred that is why they cannot be cut. These are the trees Kikuyu prophet Mugo wa Kibiru prophesied long time ago that the fall of a giant Mugumo tree in Thika would symbolize the end of European rule in Kenya.
The Kikuyu communities also believe in Mount Kenya that God the creator lives there. Ngai or mwene-nyaga is the creator and giver of all things, “the Divider of the Universe and Lord of Nature”. He (Ngai) created the human community.
It is also believed that He created the first G?k?y? communities, and provided them with all the resources necessary for life: land, rain, plants and animals. He cannot be seen but is manifest in the sun, moon, stars, comets and meteors, thunder and lightning, rain, in rainbows and in the great Mugumo trees.
Concerning your question on what Christians are required to do during the seasons of Advent, these are the seasons Christians are encouraged to engage in activities such as special prayers and contributing to ideas on enhancing peace in our homes, churches and nationally. In order to enhance peace it must begin with you first.
Traditionally, Purple is the main color used for Advent because it reflects penitence, fasting, and the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the king (Jesus Christ). The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his first Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent.
According to present usage, Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) and embracing four Sundays. The first Sunday may be as early as November 27, and then Advent has twenty-eight days, or as late as December 3, giving the season only twenty-one days.
In 2011 it began earlier on November 27, in 2012 it began on December 2, and this year it begins December 1. Next year it will begin on November 30, exact date of the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
This year the feast is on Saturday. Apostles of Jesus in Magadi Soda, Ngong Diocese have organized special prayers on this day. This is because any Apostle feast is the Apostles of Jesus missionaries’ feast.
In 2015 it will begin on November 29, in 2016 it will again begin on November 27, in 2017 it will begin on December 3, 2018 December 2, 2019 it will again fall on December 1, and in 2020 November 29.
It is also recommended that on first Sunday of the Advent the first Candle is lit, shortly after November 30. This is the day Apostles of Jesus communities in Magadi will lit the purple candle, shortly after the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
Traditionally this is called the Prophecy Candle and reminds us that Jesus’ coming was prophesied hundreds of years before he was born. The candle’s purple color represents Christ’s royalty as the King of Kings. Suggested Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:2-6 and Luke 1:30-35. Date-Dec 1
The second candle, lit on the second Sunday of advent along with the first candle, is the Bethlehem candle, reminding us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It is also purple- reminding us that it was a King Who was born in the manger- suggested Bible reading: Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-7. Date-Dec 8
After mass at Oriang Catholic Church in Homa Bay Diocese on that Sunday Dec 8 we shall lit the candle at the grave of my beloved late Mama Krsitina Oding with special prayers with small Christian communities of Bugo prayer house.
Mama Kristina Oding died on December 11, 2012 and December 12, 2013 (Kenya at 50) we shall have anniversary mass in her memory. I implore your prayers during this important occasion.
The third candle, lit on the third Sunday of advent with the first two, is the Shepherds’ candle. We are reminded that God sent the angels to proclaim His arrival to common man and that He still uses ordinary people today to spread the good news of Christ. This candle is pink or rose and represents God’s love and faithfulness- Suggested Bible reading: Isaiah 52:7 and Luke 2:8-20. Date-Dec 15
The fourth candle, lit on the fourth Sunday of advent, is the Angel’s candle. As we light this flame, we are reminded of the heavenly hosts that proclaimed Christ’s arrival with “Behold, I bring unto you good tiding of great joy!” The Angel candle is also purple, reminding us that it was a King’s birth the angels were announcing. Suggested Bible Reading: Ezekiel 34:23, Luke 2:15-20 and John 10:11. Date-Dec 22
Last candle is to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As the prophets promised so long ago, you have come to us once again; and with the shepherds, we are filled with wonder and amazement. Date- Dec 25.
Fr Joachim Omolo Ouko, AJ
Tel +254 7350 14559/+254 722 623 578
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Real change must come from ordinary people who refuse to be taken hostage by the weapons of politicians in the face of inequality, racism and oppression, but march together towards a clear and unambiguous goal.
-Anne Montgomery, RSCJ
UN Disarmament
Conference, 2002