|
|
||||||
|
It is very easy to be overwhelmed by the evil and suffering in the world and our own struggles. We can feel helpless, alone and adrift. The readings, however, give us a message of empowerment. Jesus was willing to suffer and to be weak and powerless in the eyes of the world. He did this for our sakes, for the sake of love. He subjected the world to Himself through this selfless love. In the Gospel story, Jesus speaks as one with authority. His words have force and authenticity and invite obedience. Even the demons are compelled to obey his words. The source of that authority is union with God. It is total, perfect, and unconditional love. We can call it truth-force or love-force, but the effect is the same: no power can withstand it. When we feel helpless, then, we should know that this is an illusion. The more we live, speak, and act in truth and love, the more authority and power we will have. The more we are willing to live and sacrifice for the well-being of others, the more the world will be subjected to us. We must, in a sense, become "mini-saviours" for others. We share the mission and glory, of the Master Jesus. Lord, help me to live and walk in truth and love. |
|
- END -
P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
| INTENTION : |
That Christians may favour the evangelisation of the new generations through the constant search for the unity wanted by Christ.
|
|
The question of full Christian unity and evangelisation led to the beginnings of the ecumenical movement. The Holy Father decries the negative consequences of division among Christians and calls them to search for full Christian Unity as inspired by the Lord's Prayer. As evangelisers we must offer Christ's faithful an image of people who are mature in faith and capable of finding a meeting point beyond all tensions. The destiny of evangelisation is bound up with the witness of unity given to the Church. The urgency of preaching and displaying unity to the world arises from the fact that Christians can impair the vitality of proclaiming the Gospel and even become a scandal to the world, particularly when the churches appear to proclaim "a kingdom against itself". It is clear that the proclamation of the Gospel by divided Christians becomes counter- itness. As Christians we ought to give collaborative common witness which is founded in the common baptism in Christ and faith in the Triune God. Pray for the courage to work positively with other Christians for the purpose of promoting evangelisation. | |
|
- END - | |