|
|
||||||
|
The Pharisees as religious leaders had a poor record. They were more concerned about external propriety and money than the needs of poor and uninstructed people. Hence Our Lord advises His disciples to be on guard against those who would lead people into sin, whether by bad example or teaching. He also wants them to be compassionate towards sinners who have offended them and now show signs of sorrow. They are to forgive the offenders - even "seven times a day". This is how God treats all of us continually! But the apostles, apparently finding this impossible, ask for an increase of faith that would help them live up to the Lord's demands. Jesus notes that even a little bit of faith can work marvels. God's grace is sufficient for them. Their problem is with themselves. They were not working towards the godly virtue of forgiveness. Paul wrote to Titus, his legate in Crete, to appoint church leaders with basically these same qualities. They are "to promote knowledge of the truth" and "sound doctrine" and lead exemplary lives: blameless, hospitable, just, holy, self-controlled. All Christians have an influence upon others, particularly on those who are dependents like family and employees, but also on neighbours and colleagues. Only christlike lives, based on gospel values and teaching, are worthy of true disciples of Christ. Lord, give me the strength to follow Your example and teaching in my own life, and especially in Your way of love and forgiveness. |
|
- END -
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
|
|
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". | |
|
- END - | |