GOD CREATED US WITH DIGNITY

BY JULITA, SOCCOM TAWAU

Tawau : The church is experiencing a most disturbing situation in the present world. They are persecuted politically and physically. Yet the church chose to remain calm and pray constantly. We are to uphold the dignity of the church ~ loving and forgiving. Hence, one must deeply comprehend the purpose of one's life.

The Family Life Ministry of Holy Trinity Parish Tawau organized a 2-hour talk, themed 'To Whom Am I Created' related to the needs, especially for the youths and families on Sunday, 24th August 2014. The talk focused on the wonders of God's beautiful plan for each individual. Around 50 participants attended the session facilitated by Julita, followed by moment of silence to pray for peace to prevail in Iraq and Syria.

The session commenced with a brief introduction to the Catholic Social Teaching, focused on the first principle; sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Participants were reminded to uphold their dignity in all circumstances and never to trade it with worldly pleasure. We are to remember the Almighty who has given us life and as such we need to treasure our dignity at all times.

Our dignity as human person must remain in the presence of our creator. We are to know him, to remain faithful and obedient to His call. We need to hold on to the moral values imparted to us through our faith. We are commanded to love God and neighbors, therefore we are to respect other peoples' lives. St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians 2: 15  'therefore brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught.'                

The talk also touched on the importance of defending and upholding the dignity of the church by sustaining and remaining in faith. Christ never retaliate physically to his persecutors instead he prays for them. 'Violence isn't overcome with violence. Violence is conquered with peace.' - Pope Francis.

The dignity of a human person is  rooted in the history of Creation where God created us according to His image and likeness, full of perfection and purpose. So, we have to protect and defend this value  by remaining  faithful  in him. By this, we will not be led astray in life.