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Who can fail to be moved by the beautiful words of the Sermon on the Mount? They have been a source of inspiration to Christians and non-Christians for centuries. Many would say, however, that they are unrealistic and even impossible. These principles are given to us as the means of becoming like God. The deeper our lives move into the mystery of selfless love and the more we strive to model our lives on compassionate justice, the more like our Lord we become. We become children of God not by belonging to a particular group or adopting a particular creed, but by reflecting God's compassion, mercy and justice in our day-to-day thoughts and deeds. The image of the vast throng before the throne of God should make us pause and reflect. There are people of every race and nation. As we are challenged each day by people and situations, we can be very human and practical - and this path is taken by many - or "impractical" and Christ- like. Let us chose the latter response: love, justice, forgiveness and mercy. Our response will determine whether we can truly call ourselves sons and daughters of God. Lord, may I always chose the way of Jesus, the way of love and justice. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". | |
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