Catechetical Sunday 2025
Theme: We Can Make the World a Better Place (Phil 2:4)
The theme for this year’s Catechetical Sunday gives us the most challenging question: What can we do as Christian to make the world a better place? We listen to the Apostle Paul’s advice, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4). Paul is urging the Christians at Philippi to love one another. In verse 4, he emphasized that as Christians, we should be unselfish and concerned about the needs of other people, not just our own needs. In other words, we are willing to share with others and care for others.
The Catholic perspective on making the world a better place is deeply rooted in the teaching of our Lord Jesus in the Scripture and in the teachings of the Church, emphasizing the importance of love, service, and moral responsibility. This approach encourages individuals to engage actively in their communities and to foster a spirit of compassion and justice. At the heart of Catholic teaching is the commandment to “love one another” (Jn 13:34). The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that love of neighbour is inseparable from love of God (CCC 1878). Catholics are called to promote social justice, which involves addressing the root causes of poverty, inequality, and violence. The Church teaches that true justice goes beyond mere charity; it requires systemic change, engaging in political processes, supporting fair labour practices, and advocating for policies that protect the environment.
Another critical aspect of making the world a better place is environmental stewardship. The Church recognizes the moral imperative to care for creation, as articulated in Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si’.” This document calls for a collective effort to address environmental degradation and climate change, urging Catholics to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for policies that protect the planet for future generations. By fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Education plays a vital role in shaping individuals who are committed to making a positive impact. Education must begin from home, and parents play the most important role to educate their children in their young age. Instilling values of compassion, integrity and service in children and youths in the family and also in the catechetical classes. Catholic institutions and organizations play the important role to prepare future leaders who are equipped to tackle societal challenges. This holistic approach to education is essential for nurturing a generation that prioritizes the common good and seeks to create a better world.
In his general audience at Vatican on 30th December 2020, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and acting with gratitude and kindness as fundamental ways to make the world a better place. He encourages individuals to see each other as kin, promoting a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among all people. He also highlights the role of gratitude in leading an authentic Christian life. He believes that being “bearers of gratitude” can significantly contribute to improving the world. By expressing thanks and appreciation, individuals can cultivate a positive environment that encourages kindness and generosity.
In his encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis articulates a vision of global fraternity, where everyone is called to work together for the common good. He stresses that building a better world requires collective effort and a commitment to social justice, urging people to act with compassion and to advocate for the marginalized. He emphasizes that in the common home we all live as one family and proposes concrete actions to restore the world. He speaks of the dark clouds that are looming over the world today. The paths of hope that will lead us out of these dark clouds consist of Love, Justice, and Solidarity. These three virtues are sprinkled throughout the Encyclical, which gives us some insight into the social teaching of the Church applied to concrete situations.
During this Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis calls us to be pilgrims of hope, and he encourages everyone to choose love in a world beset with wars, social injustices, and various forms of violence. “We choose love, and love makes our hearts fervent and hopeful. “Love can be expressed in kindness, he says, “that opens hearts to acceptance and helps us to become more humble.” Humility, he continues, “lends itself to dialogue, helps us to overcome misunderstandings, and generates gratitude.”
It is undeniable that to make the world a better place is very difficult to achieve. For somepeople it is impossible to achieve. Jesus told His disciples; “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mk 10:27). These words of Jesus give us hope to do the impossible tasks if we have faith and put our trust in Him. Jesus said; “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt 17:20). The Lord assured us that with God all things are possible. We can make the world a better place by the grace of God. We pray that the Holy Spirit inspires all Christians to be agents of peace, justice, and compassion, transforming the world into a reflection of God’s kingdom.
Prepared by: Fr. Boniface Kimsin
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