The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Eciru, has strongly cautioned Christians and the wider community against alcohol misuse, warning that excessive drinking destroys reputation, families, livelihoods and ultimately the precious gift of life given by God.
The bishop made the remarks while celebrating Mass for Soroti Catholic Diocese commission staff at Eneku Village, an occasion that also doubled as a thanksgiving for the dedication and service rendered by diocesan staff throughout the year.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Eciru first paid glowing tribute to the commission staff for their commitment, unity and resilience, noting that their work has made the diocese visible and impactful in many communities.
“Today is also an occasion for me, as the head of the family, to say thank you for the job well done,” the bishop said. “Thank you for your commitment, resilience, creativity, unity and the family spirit you have demonstrated throughout the year. You have marketed the diocese, and I can say you have even marketed the bishop in so many ways we cannot enumerate.”
He added that through their work, the staff had enabled God to touch many lives across different places, making the Church present to people both spiritually and socially. “We are therefore proud to associate with you. May God bless you all abundantly,” he said.
Reflecting on the day’s Scripture readings, Bishop Eciru reminded believers that God is “a God of surprises” who acts in unexpected and powerful ways.
He cited the biblical accounts of the births of Samson and John the Baptist as examples of divine surprises that defied human logic and timing.
“When God means to surprise you, He surprises you in a big way, not a small way,” the bishop explained. “Often it is at the time you least expect it, just as Zechariah was told he would become a father at the evening of his life.”
He noted that even when God acts, human beings may struggle with disbelief, as seen in Zechariah’s doubt and Elizabeth’s initial withdrawal in amazement.
“All this tells us that our God is a God of possibilities. He makes the impossible possible when everyone else has given up,” he said.
Turning to moral guidance, Bishop Eciru emphasized that life already has a manual given by God, the Bible, which provides clear instructions on how people should live in order to protect the gift of life.
It was within this reflection that he issued a stern warning about alcohol abuse.
Drawing from a reflective article and poetic illustrations, the bishop described alcohol as a powerful “remover” that strips away everything valuable in a person’s life.
“Alcohol will remove stains from designer clothes, but it will also remove the clothes off your back,” he said, drawing laughter before turning serious.
He explained that when taken in sufficient quantity, alcohol removes furniture from homes, food from tables, lining from the stomach, vision from the eyes and judgment from the mind.
“Alcohol will remove good reputation, good jobs, good friends and happiness from children’s hearts,” Bishop Eciru warned.
He added that alcohol destroys relationships, sanity, freedom, marriages and a person’s ability to live peacefully with others, and in some cases, “even life itself.” “As a remover of things, alcohol has no equal,” he stressed.
The bishop supported his message with biblical examples, recalling how drunkenness led to shame, confusion, folly, defeat and sacrilege for various figures in Scripture.
“That is why the Lord instructs us clearly, so that drunkenness does not make us lose the precious gift He has given us,” he said.
Using the “ABC of liquor,” Bishop Eciru further highlighted how alcohol arms villains, breaks laws, corrupts morals, destroys homes, fills jails, incites crime, jeopardizes lives and “zeroes more hopes than any other enemy of mankind.”
He also described alcohol as both “a bar to heaven and a door to hell,” noting that it blocks honor, prayer and hope while opening doors to grief, shame, violence and broken families.
Beyond alcohol, Bishop Eciru urged Christians never to doubt God’s power, pointing to Zechariah’s punishment of temporary loss of speech as a lesson in faith.
“Let us never doubt the power of our God. This calls for faith,” he said.
Explaining the meaning of biblical names, the bishop noted that “Zechariah” means “God remembers,” a reminder that God never forgets His people and always intervenes at the right time.
From the name “Elizabeth,” meaning “house of God,” he encouraged believers to love the house of God and never desert Him in times of difficulty.
“Never desert your God in despair,” Bishop Eciru urged. “If you love the house of God, God will never forget you.”
He concluded by reminding the faithful that God’s timing is always perfect and that steadfast faith, upright living and gratitude invite God’s grace.
“Let us thank God, trusting that His timing is always the best,” the bishop said.
About Author
