Ulusumo lunulo, lwingilile muwikaji bho bhanhu bhabhili, abho bhikalaga heke bhuli ng’wene. Uumo olatogilwe kusiminza, uungi olatogilwe gwigasha ha kaya.

Uyo olatogilwe gusiminza, agayela ugapandika milimo, umubhuyeji bhokwe bhunubho. Imilimo yiniyo, igang’wambilija gupandika ng’ombe na sabho ningi. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agasabha noyi kunguno ya ng’ombe yakwe yiniyo, gwendelea gubyala mpaga nose, ubhiza nsabhi ntale, umuwikaji bhokwe.

Ung’wiye uyo olatogilwe gwigasha hakaya, agamala ijiliwa uyukoyiwa na nzala nhali, ahakaya yake yiniyo. Wiyangula guja gujulomba wambilijiwa ukuli ng’wiye, unsabhi ng’wunuyo.

Ahogambilijiwa bho gwinhiwa jiliwa nu ng’wiye ng’wunuyo, agadebha igiki ubhusiminzi bhuli na solobho nhale, gutinda uwigashi bho aha kaya, ubho bhugenhaga makoye ga nzala. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘Kugulu kuli Ng’ombe idako ilalija.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagasusanyaga ugutumama imilimo. Umunhu ulu wigasha duhu adupandika josejose. Ulu uhaya gupandika ililazima wimile asiminze guja gujuchola. Uluuleka uguchola agulalila. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘Kugulu kuli Ng’ombe idako ilalija.’ Lolaga kueneza Injili kwa Methali, bhukurasa bho 62.’

Ijitabho jinijo jigandikwa na bhakengeji bha: Padri Donald Sybertz, M.M., na Padri Joseph Healey M.M., na guchapishiwa na Benedictine Pubhications Ndanda – Peramiho, 1984.

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gugatumila amakanza gabho mugwigulambija gutumama milimo, kugiki bhadule gupandika jiliwa, jiswalo na bhulalo, umuwikaji bhobho.

 “Dulidakiwa dutumame milimo yise ya bhuli lushigu bho bhukamu. Unimo jiliginhu ijojigatulilagwa ikujo na gusungulilwa lubhango nu Mulungu. Ulu dulitumama milimo dulishugulika kihamo nu Mulungu umumilimo yakwe ya gubhumba. Kuyiniyo, imilimo jiliginhu ja solobho noyi umuwikaji bho bhanhu.

Giko dulidakilwa guchola jiliwa ijo jidakenakuguka, ijene hubhupanda ubho ng’wa Mulungu ubho bhugigelaga umu gunzunya Yesu Kristo.

Idinatosha, duchole hangi ijiliwa ija ng’hana ijoduling’hiwa umu Sakramenti ya Bhukaristia.” Lolaga Kueneza Injili kwa Methali, 62-63.

Methali 28:19.

Methali 20:13.

1Wathesalonike 4:11.

Yohane 6:27.

KISWAHILI: MGUU NI NG’OMBE TAKO NI JAA.

Methali hiyo, ilitokea kwenye maisha ya watu wawili waliokuwa na mapendelo tofauti. Mmoja alipenda kutembea, mwingine alipenda kukaa nyumbani.

Yule aliyependa kutembea alifanikiwa kupata kazi katika kutembea kwake. Kazi hiyo, ilimwezesha kupata ng’ombe na mali zingine, katika maisha yake. Kupitia ng’ombe huyo, alifanikiwa kuwa tajiri mkubwa baada ya ng’ombe kuendelea kuzaana zaidi na zaidi.

Yule aliyependa kukaa nyumbani aliishiwa chakula, akawa anasumbuliwa na tatizo la njaa kali katika familia yake. Ikabidi yeye aende kuomba msaada kwa yule tajiri, aliyependa kutembea. Baada ya kupatiwa msaada huo kwa kupewa chakula, alielewa kuwa, kumbe kupembea kunafaida ikiwemo hiyo ya kupata mafanikio hayo, kuliko kukaa nyumbani, ambako kunaleta tatizo la njaa. Ndiyo maana watu wakaanza kusema kwamba, ‘mguu ni ng’ombe, tako ni njaa.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa watu wale ambao wanajishauri kufanya kazi. Mtu akikaa tu hatapata chochote. Akitaka kupata lazima asimame atembee kwenda kutafuta. Asipotafuta atalala akiwa na njaa. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘mguu ni ng’ombe tako ni njaa.’ Rejea kueneza Injili kwa Methali, ukurasa 62.

Kitabu hicho, kiliandikwa na watafiti ambao ni: Padri Donald Sybertz, M.M., na Padri Joseph Healey M.M., na kuchapishwa na Benedictine Pubhications Ndanda – Peramiho, 1984.

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuutumia muda wao katika kujibidisha kufanya kazi zao za kila siku, ili waweze kujipatia chakula, nguo na malazi, katika maisha yao.

“Yatupasa kufanya kazi zetu za kila siku kwa bidii. Kazi ni jambo linaloheshimiwa na kubarikiwa na Mungu. Tunapofanya kazi tunashughulika na Mungu katika kazi yake ya kuumba. Kwa hiyo, kazi ni kitu cha maana sana katika maisha ya watu.

Vile vile yatupasa kutafuta chakula kisichoharibika, yaani uzima wa Mungu unaopatikana kwa kumwamini Yesu Kristo.

Isitoshe tutafute tena chakula cha kweli tunachopewa katika Sakramenti ya Ekaristi.” Rejea Kueneza Injili kwa Methali, 62-63.

Methali 28:19. “Yeye alimaye shamba lake atakuwa na chakula tele,  bali afuataye mambo ya upuzi atakuwa na  umaskini wa kumtosha.”

Methali 20:13. “Usiupende usingizi la sivyo utakuwa maskini, uwe macho nawe utakuwa na chakula cha akiba.”

1Wathesalonike 4:11. “Jitahidini kuishi maisha ya utulivu, kila mtu akijishughulisha na mambo yake mwenyewe na kufanya kazi kwa mikono yake, kama vile tulivyowaagiza pale awali.”

Yohane 6:27. “Msishughulikie chakula kiharibikacho, bali chakula kidumucho hata uzima wa milele, ambacho Mwana wa Adamu atawapa. Yeye ndiye ambaye Mungu Baba amemtia muhuri.””

 

ENGLISH: HE WHO MOVES AROUND WILL GET GOD’S PROVIDENCE, HE WHO STAYS HOME WILL DIE OF HUNGER.

This provrb comes from two individuals with different tastes in life. One of them likes so much moving around while the other one likes staying home. The one who was moving around succeeded to get something that helped him to get more wealth; cows that kept on reproducing to fill his kraal. And the one who used to stay home suffered of hunger in his family. As a result, he had to go beg from his fellow. After managing to get food from his fellow who was moving around, he said ‘he who moves around will get God’s providence, he who stays home will die of hunger’ and that came to be a proverb to warn lazy people.

This proverb can be compared to people who work hard to achieve success in life. If a person does not struggle, there is a danger of affecting the entire family because they can run shortage of food any time (Refer to Kueneza Injili kwa Methali which means ‘Spreading the Gospel through Proverbs,’ page 62). This book was written by researchers: Fr. Donald Sybertz, M.M., and Fr. Joseph Healey M.M., published by Benedictine Publications, Ndanda – Peramiho, 1984.

The proverb teaches people to spend their time working hard in their daily activities so that they can provide food, clothing and shelter to their families.

We must work hard in our daily lives. Work is something that God respects and blesses. As we work we are dealing with God in His creative work. Therefore, work is the most important thing in people’s lives.

We must also seek for the imperishable food, the life of God, through the faith of Jesus Christ.

Let us also seek the true food given to us in the Eucharist (Refer to ‘Spreading the Gospel in Proverbs,’ 62-63).

Proverbs 28:19. Proverbs 20:13. 1Thessalonians 4:11. John 6:27.

Ulusumo lunulo, lufumilile kulilomelele lya bhazugi bhahanimo nhebhe. Uumo obho agabhawila abhiye, ‘dujagi dugasene ng’hwi kunguno unimo gunuyu gulintale noyi.’ Umo obhiye ashosha, ‘jilihoyi ijo denhile iyigolo.’ Uweyi agayomba, ‘ijinijo jigushila hayo ijiliwa jidinapya. Igelelilwe dujijile ng’hwi ningi ijo jidulile gubhachiwa mpaga jujibisha ijiliwa ja ha nimo gunuyo.’

Bhagizunilija bhugenha ng’wi ningi ijo bhagajizugula mpaga bhujibisha ijiliwa ija ha nimo gobho gunuyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘ng’hwi ningi jigangaluchaga.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali ni nikoye ilo bhalihaya bhalyinje umuwikaji bhobho. Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagatumilaga nzila ningi ijo jigikolanijiyagwa na ng’hwi ningi, ijagudula gujibisha ijiliwa jabho. Ugwangalucha go bhujiku ing’hwi jigubhakaga, yilingisilile gutumila nguzu na nzila ningi, ijagudula gulimala ilikoye linilo.

Abhanhu bhenabho, bhagatumilaga nzila ningi ijagudula dulyinja ilikoye ilya bhusatu bho corona. Bhagabhalanjaga abhichabho ahigulya ya gulunganija kihamo inguzu nu bhumani bhobho, ijina gujidilila inzila ijo abhatalaamu bha afya bhalibhalanga. Abhoyi bhagalunganaga halumo ijina gunomba Mulungu abhambilije ugulimala wangu ilikoye linilo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhenabho, bhagayombaga giki, ‘ng’hwi ningi jigangaluchaga.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gulungana halumo ijinagujidimila inzila ijo abhadaktari bhalibhalanga, ni jingi ijo jidulile gubhingija ilikoye guti linilo, ilya bhusatu bho corona, kugiki bhadule gumala wangu, na gwikala bho mholele, umuwikaji bhobho.

KISWAHILI: KUNI NYINGI HUKESHA.

Methali hiyo, ilitokea kwenye maongezi ya wapishi wa kwenye sherehe fulani. Mmoja wao, aliwaambia wenzake, ‘twendeni tukakate kuni kwa sababu sherehe hii, ni kubwa sana.’ Mmoja wale wenazake alijibu, ‘zipo zile tulizoleta jana.’ Yeye alisema, ‘hizo zitakwisha bila kukiivisha chakula hicho. Inafaa tuendee kuni nyingi za kutosha kuwashwa mpaga kukiivisha chakula cha kwenye sherehe hiyo.’

Walikubaliana wakaenda kuleka kuni nyingi walizozipikia mpaga wakakiivisha chakula cha kwenye sherehe hiyo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘kuni nyingi hukesha.’

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa watu walio na tatizo wanalotaka kulitatua katika maisha yao. Watu hao, hutumia njia nyingi ambazo hufananishwa na kuni ziwezazo kuivisha chakula chao. Kukesha usiku mzima zikiwaka kuni hizo, humaanisha kutumia nguvu na njiza nyingi kutosha kulimaliza tatizo hizo.

Watu hao, hutumia njia nyingi za kuwawezesha kujikinga na tatizo kama hilo la ugonjwa wa corona. Wao huwafundisha wenzao namna za kuungana pamoja katika kuyafuata maelekezo yanayotolewa na watalaamu wa afya. Watu hao, huunganisha nguvu zao huku wakimuomba Mungu awasaidie katika kulimaliza haraka tatizo hilo. Ndiyo maana wao huwaambia watu kwamba, ‘kuni nyingi hukesha.’

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuunganisha nguvu na ufahamu wao, katika kuyafuata maelekezo ya madaktari, na mengine mengi ambayo yanaweza kuwaondolea tatizo hilo, la ugonjwa wa corona, ili waweze kuishi kwa furaha na amani, maishani mwao.

ENGLISH: MANY PIECES OF FIREWOOD LIGHT THE WHOLE NIGHT.

The above proverb started from a conversation of cooks at a ceremony. One of them, says to her companions, ‘let us go to cut firewood because this celebration is so big.’ One of the others replies, ‘there are some that we brought yesterday.’ The other says, ‘those ones will get finished before the food is ready, we have to increase enough firewoods to cook nice meal for this ceremony.’

They agreed and went to pick up as many  fire woods as they can, which they used for cooking nice food for the ceremony. That is why people say that, ‘many fire-woods keep up burning for the whole night.’

This proverb is compared to people who have a problem that they want to solve in their lives. These people use a variety of ways in solving it, which are compared to many fire woods that spend the whole night burning. Keeping up all night burning the wood, means spending enough energy and knowledge in getting rid of their problems.

These people,  help others in using many ways for protecting themselves from various problems including the corona epidemic. They teach their fellows on how to get together  their strenghs enough to follow the instructions which have been provided to them by health professionals.

These people unite their efforts in using their talents as well as asking God for help in resolving  quickly the pandemic. That is why they tell people that, ‘many fire-woods keep up burning for the whole night.’

The proverb imparts in people an idea about putting together their efforts and understandings, for following doctors’ instructions, and many other ways that can remove the problem of corona virus, so that they can live happily and peacefully, in their lives.

Ulusumo lunulo, lwandija kumahoya ga bhanhu bhabhili ayo gahoyela mashiga. Uumo agamuuja ung’wiye, ‘amashiga ni kiyi?” Ung’wiye aganshokeja aliyomba, ‘amashiga gali mawe, nulu, madafari adatu ayo gagatumilagwa gujidimila ijisema ija guzugila ahaliko. Ahasi yago, gugabhachiyagwa moto umung’hwi ijo jigasolelagwa moyi. Umoto gunuyo gugagasebhyaga amashiga genayo.

Aliyo lulu, amashiga genayo gagabhizaga manilizu, ulugudubhachiyagwa umoto. Hunagwene abhanhu, ulu bhubhona kaya iduzugaga jiliwa, bhagayombaga giki, ‘mashiga nili, nulu, mahida nili.’

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa ku kaya iyo idabokelaga chiza abhageni na kubhalisha jiliwa, kunguno abhahenaho, bhadina bhutogwa, nulu, ikaya yiniyo idina jiliwa.

Amashiga ayo gali mawe adatu gagatumamilagwa gudima nungu, nulu fulila, aha liko, gagikalaga manilizu kunguno bhadazugaga ijiliwa ahakaya yiniyo. Hunagwene abhanhu, bhagayiwilaga ikaya yiniyo giki, mashiga nili, nulu, mahiga nili. Lolaga Kueneza Injili kwa Methali, bhukurasa bho 58.

Ijitabho jinijo jigandikwa na bhakengeji bha: Padri Donald Sybertz, M.M., na Padri Joseph Healey M.M., na guchapishiwa na Benedictine Pubhications Ndanda – Peramiho, 1984.

Ulusumo lunulo, lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na wizang’holo bho gubhakaribhusha abhageni aha kaya jabho, kugiki bhadule gujipandika imbango ijo jigigelaga kunguno ya gubhagola chiza abhanhu bhenabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

“Ugubhakaribhusha abhageni bho wizang’holo umu kaya jise, guli nimo gwize ayise abho duganhondejaga Yesu Kristo. Ishibhi idigwita yabhubhi duhu, aliyo hangi nu kuleka gubhitila yawiza abhigisu, guleka uguitumama imilimo yise, na guleka gubhadilila abho bhali na makoye gabho. Ukuhani nu Nawi bhadang’witilile yabhubhi uyo oliotulwa na manyami, aliyo bhagamitilia bho nhudu ugundilila. Bhaditile lyose lyose. Lolaga Kueneza Injili Kwa Methali, bhukurasa, 58.

Mambo ya Walawi 19:34.

Luka 10:31-33.

Waroma 15:7.

Waebrania 13:2.

Mwanzo 18:1-8.

1Wafalme 17:10-16.

Mathayo 25:31-46.

KISWAHILI: MAFIGA BARIDI.

Methali hiyo ilianzia kwenye maongezi ya watu wawili juu ya kazi ya mafika. Mmoja alimuuliza mwenzake, ‘mafiga ni nini?’ Mwenzake alimjibu akisema, ‘mafiga ni mawawe, au matofari matatu yanayotumika katika kushikilia chombo cha kupikia. Chini ya mafiga hayo huwekwa kuni ambazo huwashwa moto unaoleta joto kwenye mafiga hayo. Mafiga hayo huwa baridi kama watu hawapiki chakula.’ Ndiyo maana watu kama wakiona chakula hakipikwi kwenye familia fulani, husema, ‘mafiga baridi.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwenye familia au kaya ile ambayo haipokei vizuri wageni na kuwalisha chakula, kwa kuwa hawana mapendo au kaya hiyo haina chakula.

Mafiga ambayo ni mawe matatu yatumikayo kutelekea chungu au sufuria jikoni, hukaa baridi kwa sababu hawapiki chakula. Ndiyo maana watu huiambia familia hiyo kwamba, ‘mafiga baridi.’ Rejea kueneza Injili kwa Methali, ukurasa 58.

Kitabu hicho, kiliandikwa na watafiti ambao ni: Padri Donald Sybertz, M.M., na Padri Joseph Healey M.M., na kuchapishwa na Benedictine Pubhications Ndanda – Peramiho, 1984.

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na ukarimu wa kuwakaribisha wageni katika familia zao, ili waweze kupata Baraka zitokanazo na kuwatunza watu hao, katika maisha yao.

 “Kuwakaribisha wageni kwa ukarimu kwenye kaya zetu ni wajibu wetu sisi tunaomfuata Yesu Kristo. Dhambi sio kutenda mabaya tu, bali pia ni kutowatendea mema wenzetu, kutotimiza wajibu wetu, na kutohusika na shida zao. Kuhani na Mlawi hawakumtendea vibaya yule aliyepigwa na majambazi, bali walipita bila kujali. Hawakutenda lo lote.” Rejea Kueneza Injili kwa Methali, ukurasa 58.

Mambo ya Walawi 19:34. “Mgeni anayeishi pamoja nawe ni lazima umtendee kama mmoja wa wazawa wa nchi yako. Mpende kama unavyojipenda mwenyewe, kwa maana ulikuwa mgeni katika nchi ya Misri. Mimi ndimi BWANA Mungu wako.”

Luka 10:31-33. “Kwa bahati nzuri kuhani mmoja alikuwa anapitia njia ile, alipomwona huyo mtu, akapita upande mwingine wa barabara, akamwacha hapo hapo. Vivyo hivyo Mlawi mmoja naye alipofika mahali pale, alimwona, akapita upande mwingine wa barabara, akamwcha hapo hapo. ‘‘Lakini Msamaria mmoja aliyekuwa akisafiri kupitia njia hiyo alipomwona, alimhurumia,”

Waroma 15:7. “Karibishaneni ninyi kwa ninyi kama Kristo alivyowakaribisha ninyi ili kumletea Mungu utukufu.”

Waebrania 13:2. “Msisahau kuwakaribisha wageni, kwa kuwa kwa kufanya hivyo, watu wengine waliwakaribisha malaika pasipo kujua.”

Mwanzo 18:1-8. “BWANA akamtokea Abrahamu karibu na mialoni ya Mamre wakati alipokuwa ameketi kwenye ingilio la hema lake wakati wa adhuhuri. Abrahamu akainua macho akaona watu watatu wamesimama karibu naye. Alipowaona, aliharakisha kutoka kwenye ingilio la hema lake kuwalaki na kuwasujudia hadi nchi.  Akasema, “Kama nimepata kibali machoni penu, ee bwana wangu, usimpite mtumishi wako. Acha yaletwe maji kidogo, kisha ninyi  nyote mnawe miguu yenu na mpumzike chini ya mti huu. Niruhusuni niwapatie chakula kidogo mle, ili mpate nguvu mwendelee na safari yenu, kwa kuwa mmekuja kwa mtumishi wenu.’’ Nao wakamjibu, “Vema sana, fanya kama unavyosema.’’

 Hivyo Abrahamu akaharakisha akaingia hemani kwa Sara. Akasema, “Chukua vipimo vitatu vya unga laini haraka, ukande na uoke mikate.”   Kisha akakimbia kwenda kwenye kundi  akachagua ndama mzuri, laini na akampa mtumishi, ambaye aliharakisha kumtayarisha. Kisha akaleta jibini, maziwa na nyama ya yule ndama iliyoandaliwa, akaviweka mbele ya wageni. Walipokuwa wakila, alisimama karibu nao chini ya mti.”

1Wafalme 17:10-16. “Hivyo akaenda Sarepta. Alipofika kwenye lango la mji, mjane alikuwa huko akiokota kuni. Akamwita na kumwomba, “Naomba uniletee maji kidogo kwenye gudulia ili niweze kunywa.’’ Alipokuwa anakwenda kumletea, akamwita akasema, “Tafadhali niletee pia kipande cha mkate.” Akamjibu, ‘Hakika kama BWANA wako aishivyo, sina mkate wo wote, isipokuwa konzi ya unga kwenye gudulia na mafuta kidogo kwenye chupa. Ninakusanya kuni chache nipeleke nyumbani na nikapike chakula kwa ajili yangu na mwanangu, ili kwamba tule kiishe tukafe.’’ Eliya akamwambia, “Usiogope. Nenda nyumbani ukafanye kama ulivyosema. Lakini kwanza unifanyizie mimi mkate mdogo kutoka vile ulivyonavyo kisha uniletee na ndipo utayarishe cho chote kwa ajili yako na mwanao. Kwa kuwa hivi ndivyo asemavyo BWANA, Mungu wa Israeli: “Lile gudulia la unga halitakwisha wala ile chupa ya mafuta haitakauka hadi siku ile BWANA atakapoleta mvua juu ya nchi.’’ Akaondoka na kufanya kama Eliya alivyomwambia. Kwa hiyo kukawa na chakula kila siku kwa ajili ya Eliya, yule mwanamke na jamaa yake. Kwa kuwa lile gudulia la unga halikwisha na ile chupa ya mafuta haikukauka, sawasawa na lile neno la BWANA alilosema Eliya.  ”

Mathayo 25:31-46. Hukumu ya mwisho. “Mwana wa Adamu atakapokuja katika utukufu wake na malaika wote watakatifu pamoja naye, ndipo atakapoketi juu ya kiti cha enzi cha utukufu wake. Mataifa yote watakusanyika mbele zake, naye atawatenga kama mchungaji anavyotenga kondoo na mbuzi. Atawaweka kondoo upande wake wa kuume na mbuzi upande wake wa kushoto.

“Ndipo Mfalme atawaambia wale walioko upande wake wa kuume, ‘Njoni, ninyi mliobarikiwa na Baba yangu, urithini Ufalme ulioandaliwa kwa ajili yenu tangu kuumbwa kwa ulimwengu. Kwa maana nilikuwa na njaa mkanipa chakula, nilikuwa na kiu mkaninywesha, nilikuwa mgeni mkanikaribisha, nilikuwa uchi mkanivika, nilikuwa mgonjwa mkanitunza, nami nilikuwa kifungoni mkaja kunitembelea.’

“Ndipo wale wenye haki watakapomjibu wakisema, ‘Bwana, ni lini tulikuona una njaa tukakulisha au ukiwa na kiu tukakunywesha? Lini tulikuona ukiwa mgeni tukakukaribisha au ukiwa uchi tukakuvika? Tena ni lini tulikuona ukiwa mgonjwa tukakutunza au ukiwa kifungoni tukakutembelea?’ 

“Naye Mfalme atawajibu, ‘Amin, amin ninawaambia, kwa jinsi mlimvyotendea mmojawapo wa hawa ndugu Zangu walio wadogo, mlinitendea Mimi.’ “Kisha atawaambia wale walio upande Wake wa kushoto, ‘Ondokeni kwangu, ninyi mliolaaniwa, nendeni kwenye moto wa milele alioandaliwa kwa ajili ya ibilisi na malaika zake. Kwa maana nilikuwa na njaa hamkunipa chakula, nilikuwa na kiu hamkuninywesha, nilikuwa mgeni nanyi hamkunikaribisha, nilikuwa uchi hamkunivika, nilikuwa mgonjwa hamkunitunza na nilikuwa gerezani nanyi hamkuja kunitembelea.’

“Ndipo wao pia watajibu, ‘Bwana ni lini tulikuona ukiwa na njaa au kiu, au ukiwa mgeni au uchi , au ukiwa mgonjwa na kifungoni na hatukukuhudumia?’ “Naye atawajibu, ‘Amin, amin nawaambia, kwa jinsi ambavyo hamkumtendea mmojawapo wa hawa ndugu zangu walio wadogo, hamkunitendea mimi.’ “Ndipo hawa watakapoingia kwenye  adhabu ya milele, lakini wale wenye haki wataingia katika uzima wa milele.’’”

ENGLISH: COLD THREE COOKING STONES.

 The proverb started in a two-person conversation about the work of the three cooking stones. One asked the other, ‘What are the three cooking stones?’  The other answered, ‘these are the three stones, or bricks which are used in holding the cooking tool.’

The cooking pot sits on those three stones in the traditional African fireplace. These three cooking stones of equal size and placement easily support the clay or metal cooking pot. They are positioned very carefully. 

Underneath or between them firewoods are put, which are set on fire. The three stones need each other; they work together. If one takes away one stone and the pot falls down. They however, get cold if people don’t cook food. That’s why when people discover that food is not cooked at a particular family, they say, ‘cold three cooking stones.’

The balance between their standing close together yet apart is a symbol of community life. This is one the Sukuma Proverb that is used to teach about the values of unity, community and working together.

It is found in the Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Book: During a SCC Workshop a very effective teaching on of unity and working together is to demonstrate African proverb.

It has the following teachings:

1.   A creative way of teaching the importance of SCCs is to describe the three cooking stones on which SCCs are “cooked” as spiritual values, acts of mercy, and concrete projects.
2.   The metaphor of the one cooking pot and three stones can be used in different ways to describe the Catholic Church.  That is, one church but three parts: priests, religious and laity.
3.   The image of the cooking pot and the three stones is an important analogy for the Trinity: that is one God and three Divine Persons, namely Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
4.   A Sukuma, Tanzania proverb:  The three stones that support the cooking pot are cold (literally mafiga baridi in Swahili) means that there is no fire and thus no food is being cooked, which is a sign of the lack of hospitality, welcome and love. 

The cold stones are a sign of the lack of good relationships within the home itself and with people living outside. Three-cooking stones used for holding a pot or kitchen pan, stay cool because they do not cook food. That is why people tell such family, ‘cold three cooking stones.’ Refer to ‘Kueneza Injili kwa Methali’; which can be literally translated as ‘Spreading the Gospel through Proverbs, page 58.

Such book was written by researchers who are: Fr. Donald Sybertz, M.M., and Fr. Joseph Joseph Healey M.M., published by Benedictine Pubhications Ndanda – Peramiho, 1984.

The proverb teaches people about generosity of welcoming strangers into their families, so that they can receive the blessings that come from caring for them, in their lives.

 “The generous hospitality of our families is the responsibility of those who follow Jesus Christ. Sin is not only doing wrong, but also not doing good to others, not fulfilling our obligations, and not dealing with their problems. The priest and the Levite did not harm the victim, but they passed away regardless. They did nothing. ” Refer to “Kueneza Injili kwa Methali” which means, ‘Spreading the Gospel through Proverbs’, page 58.

Leviticus 19:34.

Luke 10: 31-33.

Romans 15: 7.

Hebrews 13: 2.

Genesis 18: 1-8.

1Kings 17: 10-16.

Matthew 25: 31-46.