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Onesinus, a slave belonging to Philemon had run away. Somehow he reached Rome and came into contact with Paul and he was converted to Christ under Paul's ministry. Paul now writes to Philemon asking him to take Onesinus back with kindness, love and forgiveness. The whole life of Jesus was taken up with proclaiming the Kingdom of God in word and deed. The Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus is a new spiritual and social reality embracing all people through the love and mercy and justice of God, drawing His whole human creation through forgiveness and reconciliation. According to Jesus the reign of God is already in our midst. God is present in each of us and His Kingdom is in our relationships when we recognize Him in each other. God is also present especially in the Church, through the Eucharist which is one of the signs of His Kingdom on earth. Yes, as Christians, our responsibility is to continue Jesus' ministry of proclaiming the reign of God. We are to put into practice the teaching of our Lord, and our actions should show love and reconciliation to all people regardless of colour, creed or race. Help us O Lord, to be aware of Your presence and use us as instruments to proclaim Your Kingdom through word and deed. 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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