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Sacrifices and acts of penance are great signs of a repentant and contrite heart but they do not and could not, in themselves, take away our sins. Only One, Jesus Christ, could and has taken away all our sins. In other words, forgiveness comes from Jesus Christ, the Lamb without spot that was slain. Daniel 12:1-3 and the readings in the Gospel of Mark tell us of the signs and the terrible darkness that will precede the second coming of the Son of Man in all His power and glory. In Mk. 13:30 he exhorts us to "remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died". This indeed is good news for you and me and especially for those who are going through seemingly never-ending trials and tribulations - and having a terribly hard time! With this understanding and insight of what will or has to be before the second coming of Christ, we can march on till the end in full faith and trust, knowing that when He comes He will gather us all unto Himself and we will live in union with Him in that same power and glory. Lord, open our eyes to see and our hearts to understand the signs of the end of time and to wait expectantly for Your coming again in joy. |
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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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