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As we come once again to the end of another Church year, we sum up all we have heard and reflected on during the past 52 weeks by celebrating our Saviour and Lord as the Universal King. Each of the three readings highlights an aspect of Jesus Christ as King. Daniel tells us that people of all nations and languages have become his servants in a kingdom that will last forever. Revelation reminds us that he has become our King not by conquest but because He has washed away our sins by the pouring of His own blood on the Cross in an act of the greatest love that one person can show for another. In His dialogue with Pilate, Jesus tells him - and us - that His Kingdom is not to be identified with this world. It is not a kingdom of political and military power. It is not a kingdom embracing vast conquered territories, like the Roman Empire which Pilate represented. It is rather - as the Preface of today's Mass tells us - a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace. Today we are called to be actively part of this Kingdom. Our lives are to be filled with truth, integrity and life. Our lives are to be suffused with the completeness of holiness and grace. Our words and actions are to be convincing demonstrations of justice, love and peace towards all. Jesus Christ, my Lord and King, may all that I say and do show clearly my total allegiance to the vision of Your Kingdom for the world. |
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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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