"Moses said to the people, 'Run into the heart and soul these words of mine and you shall bind on hand as a sign, and the lands between the eyes as a pendant.
You see, I have set before you a blessing and a curse: the blessing if you obey to the commands of the Lord your God, which you this day, the curse if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, and if you stray from the path that now command you to follow other gods, which ye have not known. "(Deut 11 . 18-28)
We all know that the Lord has granted us the use of the word, but also the freedom to choose whether good or evil, love or hatred, the truth or error. Let to us, to our freedom, choice, which thus depends on the state of our consciousness.
The Saints, who had really good use of the rule of the word, used in abundance to talk to God and, if called by ' love, truth and goodness to communicate to others. Let's see as now all the world is inundated with words, a noise that annoys so many times. From the TV that I am a river continuously, day and night, our conversation that most often contains little or nothing to do well.
Just watch, many times, the debates: an intersection of such words will not even understand what is being said ... especially when this brings with it some good, regardless of when they get only the shouting of invectives more.
I think you talk too much and, well, give itself a little, let alone in the family in society, where we all hope - I think - that our politicians talk less and more operators the good of the community. But, unfortunately, it is not. We have seen endless quarrels, made up of individuals, putting aside the public good. In
family, a time when there was no TV, the space was much discussion, talk, and we all know that dialogue is the spice that gives meaning to get together. There was also room for prayer. How can we forget the nights when we all met for the Rosary?
That time is now filled by TV, Internet, tools of mass communication major, certainly, but of little help to the healthy development of interpersonal relationships or growth of civilization and good soul, which is most needed for life. Almost
to escape from this noise dangerous - but it is a particular vocation - some choose a life of contemplation and silence, to make room only to God in prayer, study, manual labor. I am a witness and a reminder to all.
spoken too soon and combines for Life: Let's try to give more room for silence and to have control of the word, so that nothing escapes useless and much less offensive, but if possible, contain all truth and love.
How many people would do well to be silent ... and on the other hand, as would be necessary that those who speak of the good to be shared! So says today's Gospel:
"At that time, Jesus told his disciples: 'Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and hunting called demons in your name, and done many miracles in your name? I will declare to them, I have never known, depart from me, you workers of iniquity.
then who hears these words of mine and does them, and like a wise man who built the house on the rock. The rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat upon that house and it fell not, for it was founded on the rock.
everyone who hears these words of mine and not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. The rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat upon that house, and it fell and great was its fall. "(Mt 7, 24-27)
are two adjectives that Jesus used to distinguish one who knows really listen to the Word, sow good seed as it bear fruit, and who relies on the superficial: wise and foolish.
task of each of us to decide, in conscience, where siding.
The right rule is to know, at times, in silence, listen and grow.
I remember that I want to tell my dear readers: the example of a 'big' who knew how to listen. I met a bishop, at Pezza, John Paul II came to meet l5mila scouts gathered for their meeting. At the end of Mass, wanting to ask them a few words, he asked me what tone to use. I ventured to tell him: 'Your Holiness, uses words of encouragement, because these guys are like a big group: the top believe in faith, in the uncertain middle, bottom boys in search. If you use harsh tones, shaking the rope, the risk is that many fall '. Parts for nearly an hour, with accents of a real dad, which is aimed at children, loving them immensely, without distinction. It was a triumph.
A few days later she called me to what we call the bishops 'Ad Limina visit', which presents the state of the diocese that has been entrusted. The
memory is still vivid: he was in front of me, his eyes fixed on me, as if trying to read me 'inside. I told him the story of my years as a bishop in Acerra. Then the speech is expanded to the Church, its momentum and its torpor. With all sincerity. He did not speak. He listened, as drinking all my observation. After more than an hour this way, heart to heart, take leave he said
'Thank you, come back again, your honesty is good for me, who is not afraid to expose our beloved Church'. And from that moment he created a spiritual closeness and a great asset, but so great ... to the point that a week before his death wrote to his secretary, Father Stanislaw, begging him, if possible, to inform the Holy Father of my closeness and prayer. I did respond immediately with a letter, who kept, in which he thanked me 'with feelings of gratitude and appreciation for all'. Now I know that this great and valued friend in Heaven to pray for me and will soon be beatified. I confess it gives me great joy to know Beato, who is preparing a safe place next to him. Really
John Paul II was a 'test' of the Gospel, because not only hear the word, but he could give it to us. But it takes courage.
I also want to remember .. my dear Paul VI. Follow my struggle to rebuild in Belize. To wake up 'the sleep of politics' to give way on the reconstruction of Belize, destroyed by the earthquake, I used strong words ... and, at times, I had the fear of 'out of line'! Carrying 50 children a day in Rome, because they were the voice of Belize, after a visit to Hon. The Moro, President of the Chamber, to Sen. English, President of the Senate and the President of the Republic, Hon Leo asked to be received by the Pope.
Despite the difficulties, by some, he refused to receive him on a Wednesday, after the public hearing. It was incredible gentleness with which we welcomed. When I mentioned to kneel, to bear my greeting, I stood up, hugged me hard and with emotion said: 'Thank you on behalf of the Church for what you are doing. Courage, I will be your advocate with the Authority '. I felt a great joy to see that I was in complete harmony with the Church, despite, or perhaps because of what I was doing for the earthquake victims. It's really nice. Moreover
'evangelical line' of the Pope was clear. I like to quote his own words:
"If my preaching were to say that it is better to be smart, light, possibilities, accommodating, willing to compromise, and mask our will with compliments, as it would be bad my word, trying to belle772 diminish the Christian nature.
But, on the contrary, my voice - even if the weakness is not comforted by what should this Gospel of the Lord - says: if we want to be Christians, we must be strong. Christianity must live with strength, it is necessary to support some sacrifice to preserve our faith intact. Do not be afraid to be strong. You have Christ with you. "(07/03/1967)
pray with the Psalmist:
" In Thee, O Lord, I take refuge, never be disappointed. In your justice rescue me, turn your gaze to me. It 'your face shine upon your servant,
save me for Thy mercy.
Be strong, take courage,
all ye that hope in the Lord "(Psalm 30)
save me for Thy mercy.
Be strong, take courage,
all ye that hope in the Lord "(Psalm 30)
0 comments:
Post a Comment