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Broken promises lead to broken relationships. When one makes a promise and does not keep it, one loses the basic trust of people in general and becomes a betrayer in particular. A woman came to see me recently and expressed anger and outrage at the thought of her husband's constant infidelity and lying, so much so that she was no longer able to forgive him. "How can I love him and forgive him when he is unrepentant? I want to forgive him, but he treats me like a carpet to be used and stepped on. Each time I confront him about his affairs, he comes up with the same excuse to say that he will not do it again. This is repeated over and over again." In human relationships, such a breach of trust often results in disillusionment and anger. Nobody likes to be taken for a ride, or to be deceived by people. In the Gospel reading, Jesus warns His disciples to be vigilant in their conduct and to stay focused on the reign of God, lest they allow the everyday concerns and activities of life to overshadow the presence of God in their lives. They are told to be prepared for rejection and know what life is about since the Son of Man is coming to vindicate the good. Indeed the time will come to separate those who are of the world and those who are of Christ. Jesus, help me to remain steadfast to Your love and Your teaching for You have the message of eternal life. |
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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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