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Making hope a reality is in Paul's eyes a kind of work. We have to do something with ourselves if we are to reach our goal. Paul indicates that what is important is the loving spirit in which we accept our life, of oneself without complaint or argument. But how are we to arrive at this? Are we not all perceived as being elbowed or elbowing others out of the way? Complaining or arguing? Acceptance of self is hardly attained by carrying on regardless. The Gospel suggests that the loving spirit be arrived at by a careful consideration of the prayerful resources needed, and a wise allocation of our time in doing what is most near and natural to us. To cultivate a loving spirit or acceptance of self is to express in space, in time, of our need to be alone with God. It is giving ourselves pause to have something so lovingly precious within us, so firmly rooted that nothing can transpose or disturb it. Allowing God's Spirit to mingle with ours is a technique of self-disposal and we must always make time for it. Lord help me to accept myself as Your lovely child and so experience more of Your Spirit in me. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
| INTENTION : |
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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