As we begin this new year, we can be of service to the world by our prayers as well as by our deeds. We need to pray daily for the conversion of sinners and of nonbelievers. The Gospel is the gospel of repentance. Jesus wanted everyone to know the truth, to turn away from selfishness and to be reconciled with his Father.
There are more and more attacks on Christianity in our own country as well as in other parts of the world. Jesus Christ is disrespected and ridiculed in plays and in what sometimes passes as art. While Christians go about peacefully practicing the Faith, they are openly and, at times, maliciously criticized. This amounts to "shooting the world in the foot." The very Person Who is the answer to the world’s problems is the One who is rejected.
Pope Benedict said: "...in Christ, the Son of God, man can always find the strength to combat poverty, domestic violence, unemployment and corruption, seeking social justice, the common good, and the integral progress of human beings." (Pope’s audience with the new ambassador of Costa Rica to the Holy See, Dec. 3, 2010). Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He is the only way to the Father. Without his dying for our sins, we could not be in union with God. He tells us the truth about ourselves and about God. He is truly Life which means the indwelling of the Holy Trinity in us (sanctifying grace).
As more and more people live their faith, there is less and less corruption, violence, poverty, etc. Why? Because to act as Christ means that we respect each individual as a daughter or son of God. We may not use another for our own purposes. As a matter of fact we are obliged to help others in so far as we have the means to do so.
From now on, let us be careful to act as true disciples of Christ. Daily examinations of conscience help us to see if we are doing this. Moreover, let us also pray. Prayer is powerful. I suggest praying for the triumph of Mary’s Immaculate Heart in everyone in the world. If Our Lady triumphs, then Jesus Christ reigns. When that happens in individuals there is real peace, true happiness.
A blessed 2011 to you and your loved ones!
Father Stanley
There are more and more attacks on Christianity in our own country as well as in other parts of the world. Jesus Christ is disrespected and ridiculed in plays and in what sometimes passes as art. While Christians go about peacefully practicing the Faith, they are openly and, at times, maliciously criticized. This amounts to "shooting the world in the foot." The very Person Who is the answer to the world’s problems is the One who is rejected.
Pope Benedict said: "...in Christ, the Son of God, man can always find the strength to combat poverty, domestic violence, unemployment and corruption, seeking social justice, the common good, and the integral progress of human beings." (Pope’s audience with the new ambassador of Costa Rica to the Holy See, Dec. 3, 2010). Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He is the only way to the Father. Without his dying for our sins, we could not be in union with God. He tells us the truth about ourselves and about God. He is truly Life which means the indwelling of the Holy Trinity in us (sanctifying grace).
As more and more people live their faith, there is less and less corruption, violence, poverty, etc. Why? Because to act as Christ means that we respect each individual as a daughter or son of God. We may not use another for our own purposes. As a matter of fact we are obliged to help others in so far as we have the means to do so.
From now on, let us be careful to act as true disciples of Christ. Daily examinations of conscience help us to see if we are doing this. Moreover, let us also pray. Prayer is powerful. I suggest praying for the triumph of Mary’s Immaculate Heart in everyone in the world. If Our Lady triumphs, then Jesus Christ reigns. When that happens in individuals there is real peace, true happiness.
A blessed 2011 to you and your loved ones!
Father Stanley
