It reads: Fraternity is an essential human quality, for we are relational beings. A lively awareness of our relatedness helps us to look upon and to treat each person as a true sister or brother; without fraternity it is impossible to build a just society and a solid and lasting peace. We should remember that fraternity is generally first learned in the family, thanks above all to the responsible and complementary roles of each of its members, particularly the father and the mother. The family is the wellspring of all fraternity, and as such it is the foundation and the first pathway to peace, since, by its vocation, it is meant to spread its love to the world around it.
1. The more we isolate ourselves, behind the computer, buried in our profession, relying on looks and position for happiness, avoiding eye contact, touch, friendship, the more we ourselves lack peace and therefore cannot give it to others. If any of these things are difficult for us, or perhaps insurmountable, seek the necessary help and let yourself be loved!
2. What is a "true sister or brother?"
3. The roles in the family are based on a hierarchy, but on a natural (read God-given) complimentarity. There can only be one baby in the family and one oldest, one mother, and one father, and if any part is not living that vocation well the whole family suffers. But, like the Church, when one part lives well the rest find healing, comfort, hope, and fraternity.
4. You may not be able to go to Africa, Syria, the inner-city, gang territory, etc. to build and bring peace, but you can bring and foster peace in the family. It begins there, and in time and through grace will (we must believe and trust) overflow into the streets!
5. GOD WANTS YOU TO BE AT PEACE. These were the words spoken to me by Father Thomas Dubay, and these only echo the words of Christ heard at every Mass: "Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord."
God Bless you! A Happy and Peaceful New Year to all.
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