One of the famous proverbs in the African traditions is; “Together we stand, divided we fall”. In this proverb, the importance of being united is expressed vividly. Why do our ancestors emphasise this attitude of togetherness? My simple understanding of the term together, is that it may mean collected, organized, composed etc. These terms in unison with the proverb show us that being together is important in our daily life. In other words, all of us from the Creator to the created are called to togetherness, or it may sound clearer to say that we are called to connectedness.
If we look more closely at the world today, we will quickly notice the presence of war, child abuse, the effects of climate change, the migrant’s crisis, the hopeless young people, the coldness in spiritual matters. You may agree with me that one of the reasons that contributes to all these problems is the lack of connection. The presence of disconnections between man and a man, between human beings and creation, between pastors and their congregants, and sadly man more than ever has a longing for the higher connection with the Supreme being-God. The result of all this disconnection is carelessness, because people are not connected to one another, they do not care about the poor in the world. Because people are not connected to creation, they do not care about it, because people do not care about young people, young people do not have someone to accompany them. Because people are not connected to the spirit of God, they disconnect themselves from the Saviour.
Let us claim our roots, the connectedness that was in the beginning between creation and human beings. Let us reclaim our care for one another, let us be connected to nature and care for it. The UAPs are calling us exactly to be people of connectedness. In so doing to better our relationship among human beings, between God and people, and human beings and the planet.
By Amós A. Winguissone SJ
Thank you all for your contributions