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The Sadducees did not accept the idea of life after death, and so they tried to make the idea sound ridiculous. Jesus did not argue about the case, for in an argument no one wins, and no higher objective is obtained. As always, Jesus sought to go beyond arguments and lead His questioners into a deeper awareness of the truth. Often in His teaching Jesus was promoting what nowadays we would call a "mind shift" or a "paradigm shift". So He tried to get the Sadducees to see that the case which they presented was an illegitimate transfer of a situation from one paradigm to another, from the earthly to the heavenly. The question of life after death could only be discussed with reference to a new paradigm, a reality quite beyond our grasp. All questions about humanity are questions about God, and all questions about God are questions about humanity. The Sadducees were asking about life after death for humanity, but that is a question about God - does God desire to share eternal life and happiness with us? So, too, Jesus implies that, if we truly understand anything about the living God, we will more easily understand the doctrine of life after death. Lord, lead us into the truth that will set us free to live and love You forever. |
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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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