Of course we are all children of God. Matthew, in his gospel, relates the genealogy of Christ to Abraham in linear descent as a son of Abraham. Luke, however, relates the genealogy back to Adam, “son of God,” (Luke 3:38) to show that Christ is linked to everyone and that everyone’s genealogy ultimately descends from God through Adam, the father of humanity. This is a recurring theme…as others have already referenced from the Council and in the thoughts and writings of the Popes.
This video will be followed by many, thanks be to God. This is not from any sort of interfaith gathering. To the contrary, it is produced for the Holy Father and reflects his prayer intention for the month of January. Formerly, the Apostleship of Prayer simply published throughout the world the Holy Father’s monthly intention. Typically, there was a leaflet published every year that listed them.
Now, beginning with the Year of Mercy, the Holy Father will issue a monthly video to tell everyone, in his own words, about the intention he has for that month. He will explain in his own words the significance of the intention. The Apostleship of Prayer is being subsumed into The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network as the Pope does not simply give us a list of intentions but will explain them. I think it is a wonderful initiative. Prayers and good wishes to Father Frédéric Fornos, SJ. who is appointed as the director general of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network that will produce these videos.
Please note that you can subscribe to these by email. The monthly video from the Holy Father, which are a product of The Vatican Television Center (CTV), will then be sent each month:
thepopevideo.org/en/i-want-get-involved.html
Here is the list for the universal intentions of the Holy Father for 2016:
January
Universal: Interreligious Dialogue
That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice.
February
Universal: Care for Creation
That we may take good care of creation–a gift freely given–cultivating and protecting it for future generations.
March
Universal: Families in Difficulty
That families in need may receive the necessary support and that children may grow up in healthy and peaceful environments.
April
Universal: Small Farmers
That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor.
May
Universal: Respect for Women
That in every country of the world, women may be honored and respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed.
June
Universal: Human Solidarity
That the aged, marginalized, and those who have no one may find–even within the huge cities of the world–opportunities for encounter and solidarity.
July
Universal: Indigenous Peoples
That indigenous peoples, whose identity and very existence are threatened, will be shown due respect.
August
Universal: Sports
That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world.
September
Universal: Centrality of the Human Person
That each may contribute to the common good and to the building of a society that places the human person at the center.
October
Universal: Journalists
That journalists, in carrying out their work, may always be motivated by respect for truth and a strong sense of ethics.
November
Universal: Countries Receiving Refugees
That the countries which take in a great number of displaced persons and refugees may find support for their efforts which show solidarity.
December
Universal: End to Child-Soldiers
That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.
