Believers, politicians urged to respect God, as Lent kicks-off

6 March 2025, 10:03 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the Bible says in the book of Job 1:21, “And Job said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Christians in various parts of the world, especially in Uganda, have been observing one of the fundamental traditions of the Christian faith by reflecting on the significance of the Lenten period in their lives.

During his sermon at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala yesterday, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, urged everyone to honour God through good conduct. “If you have not been patient, try to be patient during this Lenten season. Our brothers in politics, let us seek common ground during this period. We have been called to pray for Members of Parliament who are making laws. Let them legislate for the well-being of this country, and in all that they do, let them act in the name of the Lord,” he preached.

Father Balikuddembe Joseph, from the Catholic Parish of Kamwokya, Kampala, emphasised that it is not Biblical to administer ashes on a Sunday or any other day apart from Ash Wednesday. “We apply ashes on Wednesday, not Sunday. It is an external symbol to show that, deep in our hearts, we are sorry for our sins. This also serves as a reminder of the 40 days of fasting that Jesus Christ began in the wilderness,” he explained.

“Another reason we apply ashes is to remind ourselves that we are nothing. Earthly possessions are meaningless, and we leave them behind when we depart from this world. God has only lent us life, which means that we shall one day return to dust,” Balikuddembe emphasised.

Similarly, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Among, called upon believers to remain steadfast in their faith. “May the ashes we wear today remind us of our mortality, and may they also symbolise our commitment to renewal, reflection, and spiritual growth,” she said.

Meanwhile, believers have urged the government to reduce taxes on domestic products.

Easter holidays will begin on 18th April 2025.