"...the perspective of that "civilization of love"..."

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Some members of CAF have responded to my threads on Pope Benedict XVI’s Encyclical and I’m grateful for their contributions. Today is the conclusion of Chapter 2 of “Caritas in veritate”, (Charity in truth):

1. More than forty years after Populorum Progressio, its basic theme, namely progress, remains an open question, made all the more acute and urgent by the current economic and financial crisis. If some areas of the globe, with a history of poverty, have experienced remarkable changes in terms of their economic growth and their share in world production, other zones are still living in a situation of deprivation comparable to that which existed at the time of Paul VI, and in some cases one can even speak of a deterioration. It is significant that some of the causes of this situation were identified in Populorum Progressio, such as the high tariffs imposed by economically developed countries, which still make it difficult for the products of poor countries to gain a foothold in the markets of rich countries. Other causes, however, mentioned only in passing in the Encyclical, have since emerged with greater clarity. A case in point would be the evaluation of the process of decolonization, then at its height. Paul VI hoped to see the journey towards autonomy unfold freely and in peace. More than forty years later, we must acknowledge how difficult this journey has been, both because of new forms of colonialism and continued dependence on old and new foreign powers, and because of grave irresponsibility within the very countries that have achieved independence.

The principal new feature has been the explosion of worldwide interdependence, commonly known as globalization. Paul VI had partially foreseen it, but the ferocious pace at which it has evolved could not have been anticipated. Originating within economically developed countries, this process by its nature has spread to include all economies. It has been the principal driving force behind the emergence from underdevelopment of whole regions, and in itself it represents a great opportunity. Nevertheless, without the guidance of charity in truth, this global force could cause unprecedented damage and create new divisions within the human family. Hence charity and truth confront us with an altogether new and creative challenge, one that is certainly vast and complex. It is about broadening the scope of reason and making it capable of knowing and directing these powerful new forces, animating them within the perspective of that “civilization of love” whose seed God has planted in every people, in every culture.

How insightful Pope Benedict’s assessment was in 2009! I’m continually amazed at how timely this Encyclical is in 2017! Yet, have we come any closer to that “civilization of love” whose seed God has planted in every people, in every culture? Has this 100th Anniversary Year of Mary’s Apparitions to the three little shepherd children at Fatima had any “significant” impact on the Church and through the Church any impact on the world? Anyone care to share any thoughts on this?

 

[patricius79]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Some members of CAF have responded to my threads on Pope Benedict XVI’s Encyclical and I’m grateful for their contributions. Today is the conclusion of Chapter 2 of “Caritas in veritate”, (Charity in truth):

How insightful Pope Benedict’s assessment was in 2009! I’m continually amazed at how timely this Encyclical is in 2017! Yet, have we come any closer to that “civilization of love” whose seed God has planted in every people, in every culture? Has this 100th Anniversary Year of Mary’s Apparitions to the three little shepherd children at Fatima had any “significant” impact on the Church and through the Church any impact on the world? Anyone care to share any thoughts on this?

Dear sister, MariaChrist,

I think our problem is when we don’t pray the Rosary and don’t have a constant relationship with Jesus and Mary, calling on their names. Without this, we lose perspective and get focused on minor things and we seek to fill our emptiness with buying things and we don’t care about people who are really suffering.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear sister, MariaChrist,

I think our problem is when we don’t pray the Rosary and don’t have a constant relationship with Jesus and Mary, calling on their names. Without this, we lose perspective and get focused on minor things and we seek to fill our emptiness with buying things and we don’t care about people who are really suffering.

Yes, dear brother Pat,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, how very much we need a closer relationship with God through prayer! Jesus has told us (cf Jn 15) that without Him we can do nothing! We need to keep all Jesus said and did and ponder all in our hearts as Mary did. We can never learn to Love if we do not listen and learn from Jesus to love as He loved us.

Mary has asked us to pray the Rosary for she knows that pondering all Jesus said and did in those Mysteries will enable us to continue growing in our faith, hope and above all charity. As Pope Benedict wrote:

It is about broadening the scope of reason and making it capable of knowing and directing these powerful new forces, animating them within the perspective of that “civilization of love” whose seed God has planted in every people, in every culture.

Come Holy Spirit, kindle in us the Fire of Your Love.