The Family of God: David Calavitta

For the first afternoon workshop, David Calavitta had a clear message – we are all part of the family of God. Each and every one of us was made by God, and we are therefore God’s children. As God’s children, we have intrinsic value and worth. We didn’t do anything to earn it. There is nothing we could ever do that would rid us of that value. God is the Creator and Father of all.

Sometimes we can look at the people and the world around us and think that we are too vastly different to find connection. But, it is through our differences and uniqueness that we can recognize the beauty of God. God loves all and is reflected in all. We don’t always do what we should, but, even in those moments, each person is the reflection of the living God. Our outside traits don’t define us. God defines us. So, we need to always recognize that even those that we don’t understand or agree with, also need to be treated with the dignity that God bestowed upon them. Everyone deserves love and respect.

We all mess up. In the Bible, we hear about the brothers, Cain and Abel. And, out of envy, Cain killed his own brother. But God called and loved him even still, because Cain was His child. And, while we want to grow in holiness and avoid sin, there is nothing that we could do that would stop God from loving us. He calls us to a life that is following after His will, because He wants us to know the joy that He calls us to.  That is why we have the Sacrament of Confession, so that, whatever we have done, we can be reunited fully to God. He loves us so much and wants to be close to our hearts. He knows the greatness He instilled upon us when He created us, and He wants us to know and live in that greatness. We find our true identity in God’s family. Outside of God, we have nothing; He is the One that made us. But, with God, we each have such incredible worth and value. God loves us. We are His children.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I treat everyone with the honor and dignity that God bestowed upon them?
2. Do I recognize the worth that God has given me?
3. Do I live in accordance with that worth?

The video of this workshop can be viewed here!