Bishop Andaku Advises Christians to Fast with Sincerity and Humility
Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku, the Bishop of Ma'di and West Nile Diocese while addressing journalists in his office on Wednesday. Photo Credit; Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA CITY – The Bishop of Ma’di and West Nile Diocese, Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku, has appealed to Christians to fast with sincerity and humility during Lent so that the vices plaguing the nation can be minimized.
Speaking to journalists on Ash Wednesday, Bishop Andaku emphasized the importance of fostering brotherhood among Christians to gain the strength needed to develop the nation.
“We should not fast merely for the sake of fasting. We must fast with sincerity, humility, forgiveness, and broken hearts for our nation and our region, so that the vices eating away at our society can be reduced,” he said.
He added: “Brotherhood should be encouraged so that, united, we can find the strength to develop our nation and our region.”
Bishop Andaku explained that Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on God’s love, demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice on the cross.
“Besides fasting, Lent is a period of repentance in the Christian Church,” he said. “It involves reading and meditating on the Word of God, and worshiping Him in truth and in spirit. Fasting means going without food or certain types of food for religious purposes. It can also mean depriving yourself of things you enjoy most such as watching the Premier League, sexual relations, favorite foods like sugar, or beer to foster spiritual growth.”
Citing Matthew 6:16-18, the Bishop noted that Jesus teaches fasting should be sincere and not for outward show.
“Fasting is not merely a religious ritual; it is a spiritual discipline and an act of humility before God. Many people fast to show off, but true fasting draws us nearer to God. In our busy, distraction-filled lives, fasting helps silence the noise and refocus our hearts on Him.”
He further explained that fasting deepens prayer and heightens spiritual sensitivity.
“Secondly, we fast in repentance,” Bishop Andaku continued, referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven. This is scriptural! Fasting expresses humility and acknowledges our need for God’s mercy.”
He stressed that fasting brings transformation, both personal and national.
In the Ugandan context, Bishop Andaku highlighted pressing national challenges that call for sincere and humble fasting. These include: the rising cost of living affecting families, youth unemployment and frustration, corruption and eroded public trust, ongoing political tensions and divisions even after elections, moral decline, increasing domestic violence, road accidents, and insecurity in communities.