Shall we reflect on one of the most important reasons for our existence? It is the desire of the owner of the universe that the whole human race may show gestures of love, charity, and pastoral care towards each other. Therefore, the visible message of God’s love is for humans to work in line with kindness and generosity, altruism and collaboration, love, unity, and peace.
St Alphonsus de Ligouri of Italy showed a great example of this during his life and ministry because he loved, cared and protected a group of people who existed on the periphery of society and those who were long forgotten.
Every generation needs to make the understanding of the message of humanity its own and pass it on to the next generation. By doing the commands of the message and giving it away, we keep it alive. The earlier generations were more yielded to the calls of humanity than the now generation. They lived more communally and harmoniously. They fought their enemies with one spirit and protected each other. They confronted those who stole the dignity of others. They endured isolation and insults on behalf of others. They made deep sacrifices for their families and friends. They took risks for the sake of others. They tackled numerous internal and external problems for the interest of all. They lived more peacefully and showed genuine love to each other.
We presently live in an intense society where we steadily embrace the unknown and get confronted by sudden deaths, violence, misfortunes, and many unpleasant uncertainties. It looks more like living is a scare and reading daily news a terror.
There is no better way for us to feel more secure in an environment with these horrific escalation of crises than to contribute to the basic human values.This points to the need to pave more paths for an environment where security, love, peace, and joy prevail.
Violence (physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, structural, or inter personal) is inherently anti life and a quick poison to every being. Stereotypes and biases rob us of the capability of compassion and strips our humanity. The use of hateful, toxic, dehumanising, and several acts of injustice dispels a culture of care and a politics of humanism.
How do we confront these menace? Clearly, through humanism, that unites people across religious and ethic lines. There must be true solidarity and fierce opposition against all forms of dehumanisation at all levels.
We are called to honour life by enjoying it and letting others do the same. To actively take part in a meaningful life through our families to our communities and beyond. To make any form of relationship devoid side effect or hidden cost.
The Internet and use of technological devices should be an environment rich in humanity, a network to unite and to love, not the other way round. Social media should not be used for the darkside that makes us feel trapped and insecure but a network of people with like minds and common interests that propels an environment of freedom, unity, and oneness.
The next generation should be taught to challenge the odds, change, and choose the best future possible. We should all act against this unfortunate reality that needs to be urgently addressed.
Amara Ann Unachukwu (Ph.D)
