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Nothing in the Gospel today speaks about "dawn". Yet there is every reason to celebrate Mass at dawn, and there is every reason to read the rest of the story of the Shepherds at this Mass. The Psalm teaches us the truth behind this dawn celebration: "Light dawns for the just; and gladness for the upright of heart". Light and joy are bound up together. The shepherds had received the "news of great joy" during the night, and that news had become for them a spiritual light, a light of joy. They had not been told to spread this news to others. They had been told how to find the child spoken of in this "news of great joy". Joy begets joy. The joy of the shepherds was confirmed when they came to the stable where Jesus was with His Mother and Joseph. Finding Jesus increased their joy, and in turn they became heralds of the "news of great joy". Mass on Christmas morning is an affirmation of the joy we experience during midnight Mass. The joy of Christ received in times of darkness turns the darkness into light. The joy of Christ received in times of light and joy makes that joy even more profound. Lord Jesus, at this Christmas morning Mass, deepen my joy in Your presence. |
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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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