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When we learned to recite the Ten Commandments in our catechism days, we generally recited the First Commandment in a form which omitted the first two words: "Listen, Israel". When Jesus answers the Scribe's question, He retains these words: "Listen, Israel". In omitting the call to listen, we miss a very important part of God's communication with us. It is by our hearing and listening that the Word of God is written on our hearts. Moses does not hold up the tablets of the Ten Commandments for the people to read: he speaks to them, so that they have to listen. The Ten Commandments had to be heard, and so understood and accepted, before they could be obeyed. It is no accident that the English word "obey" comes from a Latin word based on the word "to hear". Words play a very important part in all religions. Hence, we have the Bible, where the words of God, the words of Jesus, are recorded for every age. Before these words were written down they were spoken. Thus, while we read the written words of the Bible, we also have to hear them. We have to hear the voice of God speaking in our hearts. Lord, purify and enlighten our hearts that we may always hear Your voice and listen to Your Word. |
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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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