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Underlying all the readings for today is an exhilarating expectancy. We are now looking forward to Advent, and the coming of Christ in the Incarnation as well as at the end of time. In one of the most beautiful, hope-filled and uplifting passages of the Book of Revelation, we are told: ". . . his servants will worship him, they will see him face to face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. It will never be night again and they will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will be shining on them" (Rev. 22:4-5). Ah, blessed by God for ever, for such is the joy of perfect fellowship with God described here. No matter what evil happens on earth, this is the "river of life", the good purpose and plan of God which will prevail, and we rejoice and treasure God's promises: "Very soon now, I shall be with you again" (Rev. 22:7). This is what "standing with confidence before the Son of Man" (Lk. 21:36) means. Despite the evil found in the world and in our lives, the coming of the Son of Man, will bring vindication to all who have lived prayerfully and hopefully in the grace of God, and ". . . happy are those who treasure the prophetic message" (Rev. 22:7). Lord, let us bowe and bend low (Ps. 95) as we await the hour of Your coming. As we wait, let us welcome You into our hearts. Amen. |
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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 the celebration of the Jubilee may become the source of a new commitment in men and women of good will to protect and promote human life.
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In the threshold of the year 2001, it is our duty to renew our commitment to safeguarding the dignity of the poor and marginalised and to recognise in a practical way the rights of those who have no rights. This is the spirit of the new millennium which presupposes the following: The basic right to life which is inviolable which involves a positive choice for life. The development of a culture of this kind embraces all the circumstances of life and ensures the promotion of human dignity in every situation. Recent developments in the field of genetic engineering present a profoundly disquieting challenge. In order that scientific research in this area may be at the service of the person, it must be accompanied at every stage by careful ethical reflection, which will bring about adequate legal norms safeguarding the integrity of human life. Life can never be downgraded to the level of a thing. To choose life involves rejecting every form of violence. In every circumstance, the right to life must be promoted and safeguarded with appropriate legal and political guarantees. Let us raise our voices on their behalf. | |
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