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Once again, today, we are presented with one of those passages in the New Testament where Paul beautifully articulates his soul's deepest yearning to be united with Christ. Paul writes, 'Life to me, of course, is Christ, but then death would bring me something more...I want to be gone and be with Christ...' He finds himself in the dilemma of not knowing whether to choose life or death, for in both he sees only Christ as the ultimate value. Without Christ, both life and death become barren and worthless. In other words, for Paul, Christ is the source, sustaining centre and end of the whole of reality. Listening to Paul, we are immediately challenged to grasp his unbridled and single-minded passion and desire for Christ. If for Paul, Jesus Christ was everything, we in turn are prodded to ask ourselves, 'who is Christ for me?' Is Christ the centre of my life? How influential and prevailing is His presence in my life as a whole and in the various areas that make up my life? Is Christ simply an accessory or is He the primary and fundamental meaning of my life? Lord, just as St Paul did, give me the courage to make You my everything. 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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