The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has called on Christians to embrace genuine love and unity as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, warning against the misuse of God’s boundless love.
The Bishop made the remarks during the Parish Day celebration of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Kogelak.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru reminded Christians that God’s love is unconditional and available to all but it should never be taken for granted.
He urged believers to live responsibly and reciprocate this love by loving one another and remaining steadfast in faith.
“God loves everyone but Christians should not misuse this love,” the Bishop emphasized.
He cautioned that the tendency of some people to take advantage of God’s mercy by living carelessly contradicts the Christian calling to holiness and righteousness.
Instead, he encouraged the faithful to see God’s love as an invitation to conversion and transformation of life.
Highlighting the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Eciru urged Christians to pray for hearts filled with love, humility and compassion.
“We should pray to Jesus to give us hearts like His, hearts of love,” he said.
He explained that the Sacred Heart of Jesus represents God’s overflowing love for humanity, a love that is patient, forgiving and sacrificial.
According to the Bishop, Christians should strive to reflect this love in their families, communities and workplaces, fostering peace and harmony instead of hatred and division.
Bishop Eciru further called on Christians to deepen their love for the Eucharist, describing it as the supreme expression of God’s love for humankind.
“If you have the love of Christ, you should be loving the Eucharistic sacrament,” he stressed.
He explained that the Eucharist is not merely a ritual but the real presence of Jesus Christ among His people, nourishing their spiritual lives and strengthening their bonds of unity.
He encouraged regular participation in Holy Mass and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, noting that these practices renew the soul and inspire acts of charity.
Addressing social challenges within families and communities, Bishop Eciru urged Christians to abandon harmful behaviors such as hatred, envy, killing and conflict, which he said contradict the commandment of love.
“Do not do bad to one another; instead, love one another the way Jesus loves us,” the Bishop appealed.
He noted that true love goes beyond words, requiring practical actions of kindness, forgiveness, and service.
He challenged Christians to be ambassadors of peace and love in a world plagued by selfishness and violence.
The celebration at Kogelak Parish served as a reminder of the Church’s mission to proclaim God’s love through witness and services.
Bishop Eciru encouraged the faithful to make their communities havens of compassion where the vulnerable are cared for and differences are resolved through dialogue rather than conflict.
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