Rev. Fr. Mark Yaw Asare, Spiritual Director and Pastor of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, Devtraco Courts, Tema Community 25, has urged members of the Knights of St John International (KSJI) and Ladies’ Auxiliary to make love of God and neighbour the foundation of their Christian lives.
He told them that genuine faith must be demonstrated through compassion, unity and service to others.
He gave the admonition during the thanksgiving Mass for the inauguration of the Mary Mother of God Commandery #1058 at the Church on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Drawing from Jesus Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment, Fr. Asare explained that love of God and love of neighbour are inseparable, noting that a person’s relationship with God must be reflected in how they treat others.
He observed that while novenas, membership in Church societies, participation in religious activities and financial contributions are valuable, these practices must lead to a transformation of the heart and a more compassionate attitude towards others.
“The real test of our Christianity is not only what happens when we are in church, but also what happens when we leave the church,” he said.
Fr. Asare challenged the Knights and Ladies to examine their conduct in their homes, workplaces and communities, particularly their treatment of people who cannot offer them any personal benefit in return.
He highlighted God’s concern for vulnerable people, including strangers, widows and orphans, explaining that Christians have a responsibility to protect their dignity and respond to their needs.
Referring to biblical instructions against oppressing the vulnerable, he stressed that true worship must be accompanied by practical acts of kindness, justice and concern for those experiencing hardship.
The priest also expressed concern about divisions within Church communities, observing that people who worship at the same altar sometimes struggle to maintain peaceful relationships with one another.
“We are one Church, but we have disagreements over leadership, over societies, over activities, over misunderstandings and the sad part is, the same people who should be brothers and sisters become enemies,” he said.
He therefore urged members to overcome misunderstandings, support one another and allow love to guide their relationships, even when they disagree.
Fr. Asare further reminded the congregation that material possessions, titles and positions will eventually lose their significance, but the love they show and the service they render to others will remain important.
“Let us have one mind and one heart. We will not always agree with one another, but let love be the truth that reveals the character of Christ in us,” he said.
The thanksgiving Mass followed the inauguration of Mary Mother of God Commandery #1058 on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The new Commandery, the 30th under the Accra East Grand Commandery, has 23 members under the leadership of Noble Brother Joseph Seripenah.
Fr. Asare prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Commandery, its leadership and members, expressing the hope that it would grow in faith, unity and service to the Church and the wider community.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
