P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That the dignity of men and women according to the creator's plan may be ever more deeply understood.
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By vocation human persons are the worthiest in the cosmos, but they can become the most unworthy through abuse of their freedom. Man's essential dignity is rooted in God. From the story of Creation, God wishes to make it clear that the dignity of human beings is rooted in the reflection of his own spiritual and eternal portrait. This dignity is reflected absolutely equally in women and men. This essential equality between male and female does not tolerate gender discrimination.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights applies to all people, without distinction of gender. While we claim our human rights we must bear in mind that they will be effective only insofar as we accomplish our corresponding duties. As Mahatma Gandhi wrote: "The true source of rights is duty. If we all accomplish our duties, there will be no need to seek far for rights. If, neglecting our duties, we pursue our rights, they will elude us."
After considering a human person's dignity founded in the image and likeness of God, we have to consider the implication of the Incarnation of Christ which proclaims "Since Christ became incarnate, it is worth being a man" (D Bonhoffer).
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