Pope Francis says that \u2018issues of human fraternity and social friendship\u2019 are always a concern for him (FT, no.4). This is obvious as time after time, he highlights the plight of those living in poverty and those governed by unjust structures. Pope Francis and the Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb met in Abu Dhabi in 2016 and declared, \u2018God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity and has called them to live together as brother and sisters\u2019 (FT, no.5).<\/p>\n
Chapter One of Fratelli Tutti<\/em>, the Encyclical Letter of the Holy Father Francis on Fraternity and Social Friendship (2020), is entitled \u2018Dark Clouds Over A Closed World\u2019. It spells out the \u2018shattered dreams\u2019, the deconstruction,\u00a0 the \u2018throwaway world\u2019, the poverty, the infringement of human rights, the slavery, loneliness and fear and other issues that inhibit people from the fullness of life in the world. This type of society is not new to these times. History shows that humankind\u2019s inhumanity to humankind is rife for many centuries and continues.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s first reading proclaimed at Mass (Ex 1:8-14) describes how under the authority of a new King in Egypt the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites.\u00a0 The Egyptians, threatened by the Israelites and their work ethic were afraid that they might bring war on the Egyptians and escape from the country.\u00a0 The Egyptians began to oppress them and treat them badly. They made them carry heavy loads and had them build the \u2018store-cities\u2019 of Pithom and Ramases. They forced them into slavery. However, the more the Egyptians oppressed them the more the Israelites grew in strength and increased in number. Not being able to overcome the Israelites, Pharaoh commanded his subjects \u2018Throw all the boys born to the Hebrews into the river, but let all the girls live.\u2019<\/p>\n Slavery, oppression and violence continue in the world but God remains close in time of need. Pope Francis quotes the Bishops of South Africa and their dream to form \u2018a society based on service to others, rather than the desire to dominate.\u2019 In addition, \u2018a society based on sharing what one has with others, rather than the selfish scramble by each for as much wealth as possible.\u2019 Furthermore, \u2018a society in which the value of being together as human beings is ultimately more important than any lesser group, whether it be family, nation, race or culture.\u2019 (FT, 229).<\/p>\n Psalm 123, with the response \u2018Our help is in the name of the Lord\u2019 indicates the reliance of people on God\u2019s help always. The psalmist exclaims what might happen the Israelites if God was not on their side. God assures people of God\u2019s presence and support always.<\/p>\n The Gospel proclaimed at Mass (Mt 10:34-11:1) brings to a conclusion Jesus\u2019 instructions to the Twelve. He speaks to them about how in the light of persecution, they must continue to love God and their neighbour. Love of God comes first. This entails the disciple carrying one\u2019s cross and losing one\u2019s life in order to find it. This demands a life of self-sacrifice, prayer and a desire to do God\u2019s will.\u00a0 God will reward the one who gives a cup of cold water to one in need, the one who welcomes Jesus, the one who welcomes the prophet and God will reward the just person.<\/p>\n Justice and fairness are recurring themes in the Grow in Love\/ I nGr\u00e1 D\u00e9<\/em> religious education programme. Access to resources is on the Grow in Love website including access to the Grow in<\/em> Love\/I nGr\u00e1 D\u00e9<\/em> Children\u2019s textbook and\/or e-book<\/p>\n