Miss Amrita and Fr Elbert hold the Arte plate as the rituals begin. Photo: Fr Elbert Balbastro
Who are my brothers? In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus asked the people what they thought of this question. In the same Gospel, Jesus concluded that those who carry out the Father's will are brothers or sisters. In a literal sense, brothers and sisters are related by blood. Being part of a community or congregation where everyone is regarded as brothers and sisters, regardless of blood ties, is another way to look at it. As I continue on my missionary path, I also come across the wonderful meaning of being a brother by taking part in the Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan.
As I became fully involved in my missionary work with Muslims, Christians, and Hindus in Pakistan, I realised that God's ultimate goal is to unite people rather than divide them. Since God sees us as one, we have always been bound together by the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
On 28 August 2026, the parish's Catholic school, which has two Hindu teachers, celebrated Raksha Bandhan. This festival, according to Hindu tradition, symbolises the loving, protective bond between siblings. I felt extremely fortunate to take part in the ritual for the first time, led by Miss Amrita, our Hindu teacher. She began by applying vermilion powder to my forehead, which, in Hinduism, symbolises her wishes for security, health, and safety. The moment she placed the bracelet on my wrist is what I remember most from this celebration. Despite our different racial, cultural, and religious beliefs, I believe this represents our solidarity as sisters and brothers.
As I reflect on this celebration, I send my prayers and hopes to everyone on the planet who is divided and separated by differences in beliefs, customs, cultures, caste and religion. Our goal in life is to coexist peacefully and harmoniously with our fellow humans rather than engage in conflict. Wishing everyone safety, security, and well-being shows that our hearts are filled with compassion and love rather than hatred and retaliation. I think that how we pray and relate to God should be reflected in how we relate to our brothers and sisters, despite their differences, if we are genuinely devoted to our beliefs.
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once remarked, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." War and division are not what we need on Earth; peace is. Only when we learn to treat one another as brothers and sisters can we maintain peace. For me, it is a continual reminder that everyone is significant in this web of life and that we all belong.
Ultimately, the bracelet placed on my wrist reminded me of my relationship with my Hindu sister. Beyond simply wearing it, the celebration is about how I put our bond into practice after the ceremony. This small act has profoundly impacted my life. The hands wearing the bracelet will always reach out to those in need of love and care.
Despite our differences, the question is: how can I be a loving brother to everyone and a conduit of love, hope, and peace to my brothers and sisters? We certainly differ from each other as individuals and as nations, but we also share a lot in common: we are all human. Our common humanity, which promotes forgiveness, reconciliation, and fraternal charity, binds us together as brothers and sisters.
Columban Fr Elbert Balbastro lives and works in Pakistan.
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