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The scribes and the pharisees of Jesus' time emphasised the strict observance of the law as the measure of righteousness before God. The law, otherwise known as the Torah, was considered to be God's revealed instructions as to how His people should conduct themselves so as to be faithful to their covenantal relationship with Him. Jesus makes use of the law of the Sabbath as an example to admonish the erroneous attitude possessed by the Jewish authorities in relation to the law. For Jesus the law, the revealed Word of God, should serve the genuine interests of human persons and liberate them so that they may reflect in their lives the very life of God Himself. The law is there to serve humanity and not to shackle individuals under its yoke. There are many such oppressive laws present even in our own lives today. They are present in the forms of unjust social structures, cultural and racial biases, and personal prejudices that are a stumbling block towards a genuine experience of God for ourselves and for others. Lord, help me to become aware of the many hindrances that prevent a genuine experience of Your love for myself and for others. 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 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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