Christian Opportunities
As we get closer and closer to the end of the Liturgical year, the Gospels begin to focus on the end of times, the Second Coming of Jesus. Today, Jesus highlights some pretty tragic and unfortunate events that are to come, some of which are not unlike the natural disasters and wars that many have tangible experience of today. But among all the fights, disasters and plagues, Jesus highlights one important thing, “This will give you an opportunity to testify.. [of] the words and wisdom which I give you.” As Catholics this is the core of who we are; to proclaim Christ to the nations.
Today is World Day of the Poor. In the letter he wrote highlighting the theme of this year’s day, Pope Francis wrote, “If the disciples of the Lord Jesus wish to be genuine evangelizers , they must sow tangible seeds of hope.” The central message of Jesus is one of hope, and this is a hope that we all know and believe in as disciples. Our mission then is to offer this hope, to others and not keep it to ourselves. We have the hope of the resurrection of Christ and ours too, the hope of an eternal dwelling with God, the hope of the salvation God offers to all, regardless of their economic standing. This is the hope we are called to offer to the poor, to those who are in despair and who see no future.
Living in a world with economic, political, and cultural divisions which provide fuel for disagreements, hatred, and plague of indifference, it often becomes difficult to find hope of a better world. But Jesus says it is precisely in this time that we are given the opportunity to offer this hope to the hopeless. Yes, through the proclamation of this hope, but especially in the concrete actions and encounters with our family, our friends, and the homeless on the street. This hope we bring is one that is free of prejudice, and one that reaches beyond appearance-recognizing that everyone, including the beggar on the side of the road, is a child of God.
May we come with an open heart and an open mind to offer hope to the poor and to all those who feel hopeless. May we come, with a fiery passion in our hearts, to make this world a hope-filled world in which all people and things are rooted in hope itself-Christ.
Prayer:
O Christ, Our Morning Star,
Splendor of Light Eternal,
Shining with the glory of the rainbow,
Come and awaken us from the grayness of our apathy,
And renew in us your divine gift of hope.
Amen
Today is World Day of the Poor. In the letter he wrote highlighting the theme of this year’s day, Pope Francis wrote, “If the disciples of the Lord Jesus wish to be genuine evangelizers , they must sow tangible seeds of hope.” The central message of Jesus is one of hope, and this is a hope that we all know and believe in as disciples. Our mission then is to offer this hope, to others and not keep it to ourselves. We have the hope of the resurrection of Christ and ours too, the hope of an eternal dwelling with God, the hope of the salvation God offers to all, regardless of their economic standing. This is the hope we are called to offer to the poor, to those who are in despair and who see no future.
Living in a world with economic, political, and cultural divisions which provide fuel for disagreements, hatred, and plague of indifference, it often becomes difficult to find hope of a better world. But Jesus says it is precisely in this time that we are given the opportunity to offer this hope to the hopeless. Yes, through the proclamation of this hope, but especially in the concrete actions and encounters with our family, our friends, and the homeless on the street. This hope we bring is one that is free of prejudice, and one that reaches beyond appearance-recognizing that everyone, including the beggar on the side of the road, is a child of God.
May we come with an open heart and an open mind to offer hope to the poor and to all those who feel hopeless. May we come, with a fiery passion in our hearts, to make this world a hope-filled world in which all people and things are rooted in hope itself-Christ.
Prayer:
O Christ, Our Morning Star,
Splendor of Light Eternal,
Shining with the glory of the rainbow,
Come and awaken us from the grayness of our apathy,
And renew in us your divine gift of hope.
Amen
Prayer by Venerable
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