The Father’s Love and the Brotherhood of Mankind
 
Archbishop Most Rev Daniel Acharuparambil
 

It is the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man that we experience through Christianity. Nobody should be neglected. All should be loved equally and respected. Remember the great commandment of Jesus, "And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me"(Mt 25:40). It is a life surrendered to God and for God’s people that is acceptable to God.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta was respected by the whole world because she testified in her life to the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. It is this kind of life that made Francis of Assisi, Fr Damian and Vincent de Paul the true personification of holy God-man relationships.

For this a deep faith and a spirit of surrender that can be a life-witness are necessary. Each Christian believer should reflect the life and mandate of Jesus Christ in his life. If this has to be made possible, the knowledge of Christ must become our own in our personal life; we should adopt a life-style that is founded on love and does not expect any reward. We should be able to love as Jesus loved. Love without the considerations of caste, colour, country or linguistic affiliations. A life of faith must be an expression of Jesus’ universal love, universal brotherhood.

Love is the most powerful, unifying factor of personal and family life. We should live respecting, revering, loving and co-operating with others and praying together. It is prayer that should purify lives and families. A community created in love should be built up. God who makes the sun rise on everyone, does not ignore anyone. All are precious in the sight of God. All our actions and expectations should conform to these truths.

If this should happen the Holy Spirit must act in us. The Spirit of God, acting in us, will strengthen us. The Holy Spirit, the helper, whom the Father sends in the name of our Lord Jesus, will teach us all things. He will also remind us of the things that Jesus taught us(Jn 14:26).