By Burnett Munthali
The pastoral letter reflects on the significance of the Lenten season as a time for renewal, hope, and reflection on our spiritual journey.
It draws a powerful parallel between the Israelites’ journey from oppression in Egypt to the Promised Land and the struggles Malawians face today.
The letter emphasizes that just as God did not abandon the Israelites in their suffering, He will not leave Malawians in the hands of those who oppress them.
It highlights various societal challenges, including corruption, negative ethnicity, theft, selective justice, insufficient healthcare, collapsing education standards, food insecurity, fear leading to insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
These challenges are portrayed as forces of oppression, reducing Malawians to a form of modern-day slavery in their own country.
The letter contrasts the joy of the Israelites who reached Canaan with the current state of Malawi, where the country seems to be moving in the wrong direction.
It references the 2024 Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) pastoral letter, The Sad Story of Malawi, which acknowledges the nation’s struggles and the failure to progress toward the desired future.
By drawing this comparison, the letter challenges Malawians to reflect on their journey and recognize that they are not yet where they need to be.
It further suggests that Malawians have joined Jesus in carrying the cross to Golgotha through the hardships they are experiencing.
This metaphor signifies that the suffering endured by the people is not in vain but is part of a greater spiritual journey.
Despite the difficulties, the letter reassures believers that Jesus remains their only hope.
This message is reinforced by Pope Francis’ statement in his letter announcing the Jubilee Year 2025: “Hope does not disappoint.”
The pastoral letter reminds believers that their strength lies in God’s promises, quoting Psalm 91:13: “He calls to me, and I answer him; in distress, I am at his side.”
This verse serves as a reminder that God is always present, even in moments of suffering and uncertainty.
The letter shifts focus to the upcoming general elections, framing them as an opportunity given by God for Malawians to choose leaders who will guide the country toward a better future.
It urges Malawians to take responsibility for this opportunity and ensure that their choices reflect their desire for a just and prosperous nation.
The bishops reiterate their long-standing call for a new era in Malawi, one characterized by truth, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
This is a reference to their 2018 pastoral letter, A Call for a New Era in Malawi, which emphasized the need for moral leadership and national transformation.
The pastoral letter also presents three thought-provoking questions that challenge believers to reflect on their faith and role in shaping the country’s future.
The first question asks whether, despite the hardships, believers still see Jesus as their only hope in this journey.
This question challenges Malawians to evaluate their faith and resilience in times of struggle.
The second question focuses on the upcoming tripartite elections and asks how Malawians can collaborate with God to ensure a better future for the nation.
It implies that civic engagement and moral responsibility are key components of faith in action.
The third question calls on believers to examine what they can learn from Jesus to overcome the temptations they face daily.
This encourages self-reflection on personal integrity, decision-making, and spiritual growth.
Overall, the pastoral letter serves as both a call to faith and a call to action, urging Malawians to trust in God while taking responsibility for shaping their nation’s future.
It combines theological reflection with social critique, making it a powerful message for believers navigating both spiritual and national challenges.
As Malawi approaches the elections, this letter reminds citizens that their choices have spiritual and moral consequences.
It calls for a renewed commitment to faith, justice, and the pursuit of a better future for all.
