Note from the Editor

Dear Reader,

Have you ever felt super hungry or thirsty when you skipped a meal or went without water for a few hours? This physical need helps us understand what Jesus meant when he said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

In the Scriptures, the Greek word for hunger (peinao) means more than just wanting food—it describes being so hungry that you feel desperate. It’s the same word used to describe how Jesus felt after fasting for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). The word for thirst (dipsao) is similar—it’s a deep, intense craving for water, and the same word that Jesus used on the cross when He said, “I thirst” (John 19:28). God isn’t asking us to simply desire righteousness. He wants us to hunger and thirst for it—to crave for it intensely as if we are starving or parched.

So, what is it that God wants us to be hungry for? Righteousness! The Greek word Dikaiosyne means living in a way that is right—with God, with others, and with creation. It’s about pursuing justice, standing up for what’s right, and living in harmony with the world around us. When many of us joined the United Nations, we had that same hunger to make the world a better, fairer place. Over time, it’s easy to lose that passion when challenges arise. This Beatitude is a reminder to keep that desire alive and let it shape how we live and work.

Let us not forget all those who hunger and thirst, and remind ourselves that we should crave intensely for righteousness in our daily lives. Let us actively seek that and trust that all who do so will be truly satisfied!

In faith and fellowship,

Dr. Esther Tan
Editor, Catholic Reflexions Magazine

Interview with A Catholic: Walter Nyandwaro Matoke

Each month, we have an intimate chat with a practicing Catholic. We discuss why they believe what they believe, the difference Christ has made in their lives, and any lessons learned from their faith journey. For this month, we feature WALTER NYANDWARO MATOKE, a Programme Assistant at the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi.

How do you interpret the hunger and thirst for righteousness, and how does it shape your actions and relationships?

I live in a world where we human beings have become colossally and acutely materialistic, individualistic, and cancerously egotistic. If there was a time to question our humanity, it is now. Human beings who I believe were created by and for God, in God’s image and likeness have become so technologically savvy and now think they do not need God at the center or even claim that the divine is farce. Even for Christian countries, it is no longer about God-centeredness but rather technology-centeredness especially militarily. If there is anything I have learned from the historical Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the end of the Second World War, it is the fact that the person with the strongest and most devastating weapon dictates the rules of engagement, morality, values, and so on.

But in all these, I am an individual believer, a catholic, and my foundation and model is Christ Jesus, my Savior. The gospel must be lived first individually and then collectively as the body of Christ. We are only saved by Jesus’ teaching on the final judgment, (Matthew 25:35) ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,’ (Matthew 25:36) ‘I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’  As an individual Christian, I try to espouse as much as possible these characteristics of the righteous in the eyes of God despite my shortcomings. To live the gospel of Christ is to me the way of the cross, there is falling and rising, going astray and coming back to the fold. Christ taught us the way of the cross after which there is victory. I live these gospel demands by identifying the weakest, the vulnerable, the unempowered among my children, among my co-workers, in my small Christian community, my local church, and my community; to speak for them and to provide for them whenever I can even when it is not popular. The gospel is radical and mostly unconventional in our world which has espoused relativism and hedonism. As a Christian I need to live the gospel radically, unconventionally too. I try as much as possible to show that the gospel beatitudes are possible, even in today's world; thirst for justice, fairness, love, forgiveness, and peace is everywhere and only possible when we practice them in small or big ways.  The least among us is the one who has the most need of our help. The weakest is to be attended to first, is my philosophy of life.

Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how your Catholic faith has played a role in your life?

I grew up in a remote village in Kenya with my beloved peasant parents, now deceased; may their souls rest in heavenly peace. I was the fifth of 13 children, ten of us survived to adulthood until we lost our eldest brother recently at 59 years. Sometimes when I look back, I am not appreciative enough of my parents’ insistence on the catholic upbringing, teachings, and discipline.

I was baptized about a month after my birth, so declared my baptismal card. I went to a catholic school for my primary education. At age 9, I received my first holy communion and my confirmation and commissioning just a year later. I was very devout about church affairs and participated as a mass server or altar boy from age 9 and never stopped. Catechism was my creed and was taught better in my day. No one would be allowed to receive holy communion if they did not pass their catechetical exams theoretically and in deeds.

This was my foundation and my faith, which has shaped my life in every way. I had wanted to become a servant of God through religious priesthood. I embarked on joining Consolata missionaries after my O level. All went well through my philosophical study years, novitiate, and then I got posted in former Zaire for my theological studies after receiving my temporary vows. The Ebola virus outbreak and the civil war that led to the overthrow of their leader Mobutu presented my faith with new and never-imagined challenges as a Christian.

In a nutshell, I was traumatized beyond imagination. I asked for time out and managed to sneak out to my mother country Kenya. I was sent for pastoral work in a parish, where I continued my discernment for 6 months. When I was finally called for a meeting with my religious superior, I honestly felt that I was not worthy of the high calling. I was not strong enough to stand challenges like war where even Christians could maim fellow Christians without a wink. I opted out. I do contend too that many are called but a few are chosen.

I witness my catholic faith as a parent to my two children, now teenagers. It is due to my firm belief that the catholic foundation in our catholic institutions would give my children a real foundation on a rock. "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This is the reason I have had both go through catholic primary and secondary schools. I believe they will be free as I have trained them, to be able to make their own informed choices, when they come of age. But as for me, I play my part as a catholic faithful.

I have continued to follow my Catholic teachings and most of the time radically against conventions. I know that I am not so popular in my place of work because of my usual take on issues, but my stance is always based on my Catholic upbringing where my soul and conscience are at peace. Whenever, I have erred which is often I believe in the genuine, honest forgiveness by Christ in the sacrament of repentance. I have been that prodigal son many times, but I believe in God’s boundless mercy which gives me much happiness, joy, and above all hope.

How do you think your Catholic values have impacted your work and interactions with colleagues?

I think I am not a popular figure with some of my colleagues but at least they hold me accountable for my convictions. I work in a liberal environment in the field of education within the UN. I have always given my opinions based on my catholic faith. My take is that as a human being, I should conform to Christ and not vice versa. In my view, all these so-called individual rights are based on the modern philosophy of self-sufficiency and the highest pleasure drive without self-control or belief in objective morality… I call it hedonism that in my view is leading humanity to self-immolation.

What advice would you give to fellow Catholics striving to integrate their faith into their professional lives?

Simply, “Whoever disowns me before men, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” Christ did not promise us a smooth ride. Otherwise, He would have taken Peter’s proposition of fighting back. After all, He is God. (Philippians 2:5-7) “Christ, who existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross…”

Jesus taught us humility, sacrifice, suffering, service without complaint, goodness, perseverance, and witness. The way of the Cross is what he bequeathed us, His followers. His humiliation became our salvation, the Cross became a symbol of our victory. You either take the cross and follow Him or conform to the world and its prince…the pleasure-driven diabolical.

We all know the fate of the 12 Apostles, martyrdom! We know the history of so many church fathers and mothers; they gave the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom because of the radicalism of Christ’s Gospel. We are called to conform to Christ and not to the world.

Educating Young People in Justice and Peace

Each month, we invite an original article or feature an existing article by a respected Catholic author.

By Pope Benedict XVI

Before the difficult challenge of walking the paths of justice and peace, we may be tempted to ask, in the words of the Psalmist: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains: from where shall come my help?” (Ps 121:1).

To all, and to young people in particular, I wish to say emphatically: “It is not ideologies that save the world, but only a return to the living God, our Creator, the guarantor of our freedom, the guarantor of what is really good and true … an unconditional return to God who is the measure of what is right and who at the same time is everlasting love. And what could ever save us apart from love?”(9) Love takes delight in truth, it is the force that enables us to make a commitment to truth, to justice, to peace, because it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (cf. 1 Cor 13:1-13).

Dear young people, you are a precious gift for society. Do not yield to discouragement in the face of difficulties and do not abandon yourselves to false solutions which often seem the easiest way to overcome problems. Do not be afraid to make a commitment, to face hard work and sacrifice, to choose the paths that demand fidelity and constancy, humility and dedication. Be confident in your youth and its profound desires for happiness, truth, beauty and genuine love! Live fully this time in your life so rich and so full of enthusiasm.

Realize that you yourselves are an example and an inspiration to adults, even more so to the extent that you seek to overcome injustice and corruption and strive to build a better future. Be aware of your potential; never become self-centred but work for a brighter future for all. You are never alone. The Church has confidence in you, follows you, encourages you and wishes to offer you the most precious gift she has: the opportunity to raise your eyes to God, to encounter Jesus Christ, who is himself justice and peace.

All you men and women throughout the world, who take to heart the cause of peace: peace is not a blessing already attained, but rather a goal to which each and all of us must aspire. Let us look with greater hope to the future; let us encourage one another on our journey; let us work together to give our world a more humane and fraternal face; and let us feel a common responsibility towards present and future generations, especially in the task of training them to be people of peace and builders of peace. With these thoughts I offer my reflections and I appeal to everyone: let us pool our spiritual, moral and material resources for the great goal of “educating young people in justice and peace”.

Original article is available here.

Speaker Notes: How to Grow in Virtue and Holiness: A Talk by Fr. Matthew Blake

Each month, we summarize a talk previously presented to our members.

On 25 July 2024, Fr. Matthew Blake, a Carmelite priest, spoke to the UN Catholic Club on How to Grow in Virtue and Holiness. Drawing from the Carmelite spiritual tradition, Fr. Blake described holiness as a deep, transformative relationship with God and virtue as the fruit of that relationship. Using the Gospel story of the rich young man, he illustrated how true virtue flows from love for God rather than mere rule-following.

Fr. Blake explained that spiritual growth unfolds through two essential paths: human effort and God’s grace-filled action. He encouraged listeners to be courageous and trust in God, even when facing challenges that stretch them beyond their comfort zones. True Christian virtue, he noted, is about living with freedom in love and grace—not about strict adherence to external rules.

A significant theme was finding holiness in ordinary life. Fr. Blake quoted St. Teresa of Avila’s teaching that “God is among the pots and pans,” reminding participants that God is present in every moment. He urged them to seek opportunities for spiritual growth through daily acts of love and selflessness.

Fr. Blake advised trusting God’s guidance and acting out of love for others, which strengthens both virtue and holiness. He emphasized that personal transformation happens gradually as we fully open ourselves to God’s love.

In conclusion, Fr. Blake called on participants to grow spiritually by surrendering to God’s infinite love. True virtue, he said, means allowing that love to shape our actions and relationships. Holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary but is available in the simplicity of daily life.

The full talk is available here.

Workplace Tips: How to Stop Workplace Gossip and Maintain a Positive Team Culture

Each month, we offer advice and tips for being effective in our workplaces. Drawing from global best practices and personal experiences, we share insights for your use.

by Karin Hurt

Strategies to Address Workplace Gossip

1. Stay Calm and Confident – Your reaction shapes your leadership image. Ignoring gossip can sometimes make it disappear.

2. Use Humor to Deflect – Lighthearted responses can diffuse tension:

• “If that were a movie, I’d buy a ticket!”

• “That sounds more exciting than my real life.”

3. Ask for Help to Stop Gossip – Engage others to prevent rumors:

• “I value my reputation—why do you think people believe this?”

• “Who can help clarify the truth?”

4. Shut Down Gossip About Others – Step in when conversations turn toxic:

• “Would you want me to share this if it were about you?”

• “Let’s keep things respectful.”

5. Handle Gossip Based on Truth (But Not Ready for Discussion) – Keep conversations professional:

• “Let’s wait for confirmed details.”

• “Speculation makes things worse—let’s focus on facts.”

Remember!

• Gossip thrives when tolerated—actively work to shut it down with confidence, professionalism, and positivity.

• Encourage a culture of direct, respectful communication to build trust and maintain a high-performing, human-centered team.

Original article is available here.

Spiritual Life Tips: The Power of Saying Less & Waiting on the Lord

Each month, we offer practical advice and tips related to our Catholic faith and spirituality.

by Mary Wallace, PhD

Despite striving for gratitude, envy can still creep in, especially in relationships. A wise mentor advised, "Say nothing. Wait on the Lord. Let Him work." This approach also applies to the workplace—listening fully instead of arguing, supporting others' ideas, and seeking understanding before reacting when wronged. Focusing on blessings rather than frustrations fosters a healthier mindset, and avoiding unnecessary complaints, particularly on social media, reflects wisdom and trust in God. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 27:11-14 to “Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord,” emphasizing that true strength comes through patience, not impulsiveness. Pope Francis encourages us to follow the example of the saints, who trusted God, stood firm against opposition, and embraced being misunderstood. Practicing virtue by speaking less and listening more leads to wisdom and peace. Ultimately, waiting on the Lord brings clarity and strength in all aspects of life. Say less, trust more, and let God work in His time. Peace of Christ to you!

Original article is available here.

For inquiries, or potential contributions to the magazine, please contact unitednationscatholicclub@outlook.com