Bishop Christian Carlassare urges Christians to be peacemakers

In a reflection shared on Sunday, June 21, Bishop Carlassare linked the Gospel message to the realities facing the East-Central African nation, noting that the call to discipleship carries particular significance for a people who have endured conflict, displacement, and other forms of suffering. “Here in Bentiu, in a land that has experienced many challenges and suffering, the Gospel invites us not to remain spectators of faith, free from paralyzing fear and doubt,” the Italian-born Bishop of the South Sudan Episcopal See said.

He urged the faithful to respond actively to Christ’s call by becoming instruments of reconciliation in their families, communities, and the nation at large, saying, “Jesus calls us to be chosen, loved, and active participants in the mission of the Church, bringing reconciliation, peace, and hope to our families, our communities, and our nation.”

The member of the Comboni Missionaries (MCCJ) emphasized that true Christian discipleship requires believers to move beyond passive participation in the life of the Church and become witnesses of God’s love through their actions and relationships with others. “Most of us begin our Christian journey as part of the crowd. But the Lord calls each one of us to become a disciple: someone who is known by name, loved by God, and sent to participate in the mission of the Church.” he said.

He challenged the faithful to examine their personal response to Christ’s invitation, asking whether they were content to remain part of the “anonymous crowd” or willing to become true disciples. “Today, Jesus asks each of us a simple but important question: Am I part of the anonymous crowd, or am I willing to become a true disciple of Jesus?” Bishop Carlassare said, noting that while many people followed Jesus because they admired His teachings and sought comfort in His message, Christ’s desire was to form disciples who would share in His mission.

He said, “The crowd follows Jesus with sympathy. People listen to His words, admire His deeds, seek comfort and hope, and are attracted by His message. The disciple, however, takes a further step: he or she allows Jesus to become the center of life, listens to His word, remains close to Him, and shares in His mission.”

The pioneer Local Ordinary of the South Sudan Episcopal See that the late Pope Francis erected in July 2024, who is also the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Rumebek prayed that the people of God in the country would find the courage to deepen their commitment to Christ and contribute to the building of a peaceful and reconciled society.

“May the Lord give us the courage to move from the crowd to the community of disciples, so that our lives may become a sign of His love for South Sudan and for the whole world,” Bishop Carlassare said.

Nicholas Waigwa – ACI Africa