Rev. Fr. Dominic Nelson Tawiah of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese has called on the youth to be quick to admit when they wrong others and ask for forgiveness.
According to him, saying sorry helps in reconciling with people who are offended by us.
He made the call at the just ended Zone 1 summit of Pax Romana, held at St. Kizito Pastoral Center at Apowa in the Sekondi-Takoradi diocese from Friday, 21st February to Sunday 23rd February 2020.
In his speech on the theme “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God,” Fr. Tawiah made it clear that the call to be peacemakers is not an option but an obligation for all Christians based on the universal call of Christ after the resurrection “Peace be unto you, as the Father has sent me so I send you…”
He enumerated some effects of the absence of peace for the Christian. The first being that it blocks our fellowship God (1 John 4:20). Secondly, it blocks our prayers from being heard (1 Peter 3:7). The absence of peace blocks our happiness, and finally, we atone for our sins when we seek peace (Sirach 3:1 – 5).
Giving the steps to follow in making peace, Fr. Tawiah asked the students to always make the first move to make peace just as God made the first move to reconcile with Adam after the fall. In doing so they are to ask God for direction and wisdom (James 1:5).
He then went ahead to tell them to ask themselves ‘what is my fault or role in this broken relationship?
”Even if the offender is 99.99% wrong, ask yourself how did I contribute to the person offending me and be eager to say I am sorry, I was only thinking of myself. Watch out for blind spots hence you need others. Better to resolve a relationship than to dissolve it, listen more and speak less and find out the history of people as you seek to make peace because most of the time, victims turn out to be victimizers,” he said.
Fr. Tawiah also called on the students to be tactful in speaking the truth. It is not enough to speak the truth but most importantly how you package the truth is equally important. He also cautioned the students to avoid social media war in their relationship issues and emotional breakdown. You became an object of pity when you showcase your broken heart on social media.
In the second talk on the topic “The role of the catholic student”, Rev. Fr. Francis Armoh urged catholic students to seek to deepen their understanding of their faith, read more about the faith, be smart with the smartphone. As they understand the faith, they should share the faith, proclaim the word of God to their mates and colleagues.
He also asked them to be human and avoid the holier than thou attitude. “Share the resources you have” he added, be ready to put your talent, skill, knowledge, and expertise at the disposal of the Church not excluding your money. Work with others, collaborate and take note that you are not the epitome of all knowledge.
Source: Maxwell Azaglo // Radio Angelus
