Love of God and neighbour Essay Example

His choice of Abraham as the father of nations. Despite their sins and expulsion from the Garden of Eden, God continues to express His love for humanity by selecting Abraham as an example of obedience. Abraham demonstrated his obedience by leaving his homeland and going where God commanded him, even offering his own son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 12 and 22). The book of Genesis uses mythical forms to introduce the story of creation and early human societies. The patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph - receive God's promises and prepare for the rescue of the Hebrews from Egypt while establishing God's covenant at Mount Sinai/Horeb. Exodus then narrates how Moses was chosen by God to deliver the Hebrews from Egypt and lead them in accepting God's covenant, ultimately becoming His people.

Exodus 6:7 demonstrates the presence of God with Israel through the construction of the collapsible shelter of meeting and the arch of the compact. Leviticus contains instructions about sacrifice, feasts, priesthood, and rituals of worthiness and sanctity that God gave to his newly sanctified people to follow as part of their covenant relationship. Numbers offers additional laws and ordinances pertaining to the 12 tribes and their organization.

The text discusses the narrative found in Numbers 10-20, which tells the story of Israel's 40-year desert journey as a punishment for rebelling against God and Moses. The book of Deuteronomy, which means "2nd law" in Greek (cf. Dt 17:18), reflects on Moses' speeches at a later time. In Deuteronomy 34, the death of Moses marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

The Historical Books

Included among the historical books are Joshua,

Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, and 1 and 2 Maccabees.

The text discusses the revised history of Hebrews, from Moses to the Babylonian Exile when their land was taken. It also covers sermons by famous prophets during the 8th and 7th centuries, known as the Deuteronomistic History. Moreover, it includes Wisdom and Poetic Books like Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach (Ecclesiasticus).

The parallel between Egyptian wisdom and Israelite wisdom is evident in the influence they have on each other. Both forms of wisdom can be seen in the writings of Amen-em-opet and the collection of Proverbs in Prv 17-24:22. These texts are believed to have originated between 1000 and 600 B.C. Several comparable examples include the following: [ 6 ]

Wisdom can be obtained through two

main sources - familial and formal education. Both parents and teachers play a significant role in shaping an individual's wisdom, as well as influencing society and the larger universe.[ 8 ] The Prophetic Books, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. They hold significant importance.

The rise and writings of Prophets demonstrate that God communicates his desires to humanity out of his genuine love. The inclusion of phrases like 'spirit of God' and 'says the Lord/The Word of the Lord came to me' by ancient Prophets serves as evidence of their prophetic messages (cf. Is 6, Ez 37, 2Sam 7) [9].

New Testament

God's love for humanity is made known in the Old Testament through a series of occurrences.

The text explores the refusal of God's grace, the affection shared between God and the world, and Jesus Christ as the ultimate present bestowed by God. It emphasizes that Jesus stands apart from other individuals due to his dual nature as both divine and human. Furthermore, it acknowledges that nobody has ever laid eyes on God.

The Son of God, who is by the side of the Father, has made him known (Jn 1:18). Jesus's abundant life serves as evidence that he carries God's message and lived a life of prayer and gratitude (cf. Mk 1:35; Mt 11:25). "And rising early in the morning, he (Jesus Christ) departed and went to a desolate place, and there he prayed" (Mk 1:35); "Jesus said, ... 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little

children" (Mt 11:25).

The cross fully revealed the love of Christ for humanity as Jesus willingly suffered until death. No one, except Christ, has ever given their life for the redemption of humanity (cf. Mark 14:1-15:47).

One of the 12 apostles, as seen in Mk 14:10, betrays Jesus, which is surprising considering their close friendship. However, this betrayal serves as a demonstration of how the love of money can corrupt us. [13]

The Beginning of Christianity

To better comprehend the origins of Christianity, one should turn to the book of Acts of the Apostles. In its early centuries, Christianity mainly functioned as a religious order within Judaism. It coexisted with other prominent religious orders like the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.

The apostles preached to both Jews and Gentiles, attracting many followers. They practiced both private and communal prayer and baptized numerous individuals in the name of Christ (californium. Acts 5:3; 23:9; Lk 7:36; 13:31; 18:1-13; Jn 3). [14] The significance of the journey of the Israelites' religion in the Old Testament becomes apparent when we connect it to the Passover at the sea of reeds and the Easter Event. After Christ's Resurrection, his disciples proclaimed, celebrated, and shared their faith in Jesus Christ (californium).

The text includes references to various Bible passages: Acts 2:14-41; 20:17-35; Lk 24:19-27. Additionally, it mentions that Paul (5 - 67 A.D., likely) wrote several letters including Philippians, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, Timothy, and Titus. Despite his weaknesses, Paul relied on his loyal companions.

Paul, formerly a Pharisee who converted to Christianity, dedicated thirty years to passionately advocating for Christian teachings and founding Christian communities. He accomplished this through the composition of various letters

addressed to these communities. His ultimate goal was to bring about salvation by conveying his profound love for both God and humanity (cf. Acts 22:3; 5:37; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Philippians 3:12).

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The Synoptic Gospels
The Synoptic Gospels, attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, focus on Jesus Christ as the second individual in the Trinity. He reveals God the Father (the first individual) while sending the Holy Spirit (the third individual) to the Church. To fully understand Jesus Christ, it is necessary to read, hear, and comprehend these Gospels' message. While other New Testament books and Jewish writings may mention Jesus, they provide limited information about him. Through bringing and establishing God's Kingdom on Earth, Jesus Christ demonstrates his love for humanity. By obeying God the Father, he fulfills all prophecies and divine promises from the Old Testament. As both the promised Messiah - Son of David - and Son of God, he bestows upon the Church the gift of Holy Spirit.

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Magisterium

The teachings of the magisterium regarding the practical love of God and neighbor in justice have been extensive. This section will explore the teachings of Vatican II Council, John XXIII, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis I.

Vatican Council II

In

Gravissimus Educationis

, Vatican Council II highlights various aspects such as the universal rights of education, the importance of schools, and the responsibilities and rights of parents ( cf.

GE

2-6 ). The council Fathers recognize the significance of education for all members of the Church and for the broader society. This

is why Catholic schools continue to produce numerous professionals in Africa and worldwide today.

Vatican Council II, also known as Vatican II, marks a significant milestone in human history by emphasizing the crucial role of education in shaping individuals and society for the better (GE 1). It underscores that love should be the driving force behind education, with the ultimate goal of transforming society into an improved place to live.

Pope John XXIII's Pacem in Terris encyclical

In his encyclical letter titled Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII addresses various religious leaders (including Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops), local ordinaries who are at peace and in communion with the Apostolic See, as well as the Clergy and Faithful of the entire Catholic World and all Men of Good Will. He discusses both human rights and responsibilities.

We believe that peace on Earth can be attained if individuals genuinely love God and their fellow human beings, while also practicing charity and justice. This aspiration for peace has been sought after by people of all generations. Nonetheless, it is crucial to uphold fundamental human rights in accordance with the divine order to achieve and ensure lasting peace. Failing to acknowledge these rights reflects a deficiency in neighborly affection. The Church's ultimate goal is to enlighten everyone about the significance of respecting human dignity in all aspects of life. It is important to recognize that each person has been created resembling and reflecting God.

So whatever you do to any individual it is like you have done it to God (californium.Platinum3 & A; Mt 25:40, 45). “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25:40), “What you

did non make for one of these least 1s, you did non make to me” (Mt 20:45). In this universe, disunity abounds because some people think mistakenly that they are more human than others due to differences in some cultural facets of life and so they suppress others by denying them their cardinal rights. Doest it intends that the message of the Gospel, (californium.

Mt 25:40.45 ) has not yet reached them? The Catholic Pope reminds everyone that no entity can claim ignorance of human rights because God's law is written in everyone's conscience. It must be understood that injustice is caused by mistaken opinions that are mistakenly passed as unjust laws in countries, but the Creator is just and eternal. Every intelligent being knows what should and should not be done ( cf. Platinum 4-7 ) . By using intelligence and free will, one can understand and choose what to do for others in terms of human rights and responsibilities.

Human rights are inherent and cannot be taken away, only suppressed or denied. Those who recognize human rights and fulfill their responsibilities are considered children of God and will inherit God's land (californium. Platinum 9-10). The fundamental rights of humans include the right to life, rights related to moral and cultural values, the right to worship according to one's conscience, the right to freely choose one's lifestyle, economic rights, the right to gather and associate, the right to emigrate and immigrate, and political rights (californium. Platinum 11-27-36).

In order to practice love and justice towards our neighbors, we must consider these fundamental human rights. These rights naturally come with responsibilities. For example, the right to life

requires us to protect human existence by refraining from killing. It is the duty of every individual to promote cooperation, social life based on truth, justice, and charity, and the freedom to advocate for individual rights and public engagement (cf. Platinum 28-74).

John Paul II

In his letter Solicitudo Rei Sicialis to the Bishops, Priests, Religious Families, sons and daughters of the Church, and all people of goodwill on the 20th anniversary of Populorum Progressio, John Paul II states: "Selfishness ... myopia ... mistaken political calculations and imprudent economic decisions are structural sins" (SRS 36).

The presence of rigid political orientations such as crude communalism, socialism, feudalism, capitalist economy, and imperialism is responsible for selfishness, shortsightedness, miscalculated political assessments, and imprudent economic decisions. If these political orientations persist permanently in society, they give rise to societal or structural wickedness. ( californium. SRS 36 )

The text emphasizes that what works well for one political orientation in a particular place may not be suitable or effective for other places. Pope John Paul II references the words of prophet Isaiah from the Post-Synodal Apostilic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa, which state that nations will no longer engage in warfare and will instead focus on peaceful activities such as agriculture.

The eradication of unfairness would eliminate the need for arms. The synod acknowledged the presence of wars in various African regions, dividing cultural groups, towns, territories, parts, states, counties, and even continents. In these conflicts, people harm and kill one another, causing destruction and looting other people's possessions or wealth, which is highly unjust. This situation is inhumane and attributed to the actions of Satan.

Such societal and structural wickedness cause a great deal of

unfairness in society. This is why the synod male parents are calling for the eradication of this situation and the establishment of a peaceful society. In this society, people do not even consider hurting or killing one another, but instead live in peace and harmony. They are guided by a practical love of God and their neighbors, promoting justice (cf. EIA 117).

Pope Benedict XVI

In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Africae Munus, Pope Benedict XVI deeply discusses the importance of living in harmony among various groups: family members, the elderly, men, women, young people, and children. He then goes further and connects living in harmony within society with living in harmony with the Church.

The church is made up of various members, including bishops, priests, missionaries, permanent deacons, consecrated individuals, seminarists, catechists, and the laypeople.

Pope Francis, in his evangelicGaudium, emphasizes the importance of returning to God when we sin because He never tires of forgiving us. It is us who tire of seeking His mercy through repentance and reconciliation. Christ, who instructed us to forgive 70 times seven, sets an example for us by forgiving our sins through His death on the cross.

Californium. EG 3. By loving God and neighbor, there will be peace and joy in the universe. Californium. EG 5. It means that even the enemies are our neighbors and so we have to find a way to be reconciled with them. There is no Lent without Easter. There is a clip of sorrow (hostility) and joy (after) being reconciled. Californium.

When we are in the province of wickedness, we need to be aware that God eagerly awaits our repentance and reconciliation with him. Therefore, we should

not lose hope that we are sinners. If we turn away from our wickedness and sincerely seek forgiveness from God, he will forgive us. As a result, we become his beloved children. The love for God and neighbor, as emphasized in the Bible and Church teachings, is not an unrealistic ideal but a practical concept. This is because we witness God actively making himself known to us out of his love for us.

It is the responsibility of everyone to transform themselves and adapt to the desires of God in all areas of life. Each member of an African family, or any other continent, has a duty to fulfill their obligations in a humane manner. This way, we can all ultimately be regarded as righteous workers, as intended by God.