Need for ‘a true world political authority’

December 13, 2018

175. The same mindset which stands in the way of making radical decisions to reverse the trend of global warming also stands in the way of achieving the goal of eliminating poverty. A more responsible overall approach is needed to deal with both problems: the reduction of pollution and the development of poorer countries and regions. The twenty-first century, while maintaining systems of governance inherited from the past, is witnessing a weakening of the power of nation states, chiefly because the economic and financial sectors, being transnational, tends to prevail over the political. Given this situation, it is essential to devise stronger and more efficiently organized international institutions, with functionaries who are appointed fairly by agreement among national governments, and empowered to impose sanctions.

As Benedict XVI has affirmed in continuity with the social teaching of the Church: “To manage the global economy; to revive economies hit by the crisis; to avoid any deterioration of the present crisis and the greater imbalances that would result; to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace; to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration: for all this, there is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago.” (Caritas in Veritate) Diplomacy also takes on new importance in the work of developing international strategies which can anticipate serious problems affecting us all.

Source : Laudato Si'

Fr. Robert Tywoniak

Blessed Sacrament Church

Gaudete – Rejoice – Know Joy.

We rejoice or experience Joy when we sense ourselves to be in a close and caring relationship. Knowing someone who is caring has been with us always, through good and bad, is what causes Joy. Joy is the emotion that is experienced in a close and caring relationship.

Furthermore, such a loving relationship leads to courage. Have you not heard a person who is in love say he or she can do anything with the other at his side? God loves us and we love Him.

Knowledge and experience of the total and unconditional love brings courage. That is something to rejoice in.

In this Advent time of year the scriptures and mood of the season may be poetic in the sense we have Hope for the future that is communicated to faithful people. The prophet Zephaniah says, “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord, your God is in your midst…he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.” The phrase, “Renew you in His love,” may also be translated, “God will quiet you.”

“God will quiet you.” Reflect on that phrase. Picture a parent who quiets its child. The parent holds the child until all fear is removed. Therein is reason to rejoice. Yet, Joy is not Joy if kept for oneself.

Paul speaks to the communal relationship of Joy. If we rejoice we must show kindness to others so that the others may rejoice too. We give witness to love not merely in words but by the way we live. It is an approach to life that deals with all the trouble we face that gives witness. Thus, Paul says to dismiss anxiety and thus live in Peace. John the Baptist gives greater guidance here.

If we wish to experience Joy we must be present to each other. There must be more than casual notice of the others around you. There must be deliberate observance of the other. If you know another lacks something, share. Even the poor may share whatever little they have. The sharing produces enough for all. Those who have authority over others must alter their attitude. Care and Justice must guide the use of authority.

Thus, the experience of Joy leading to rejoicing comes as a matter of being present to one another. That is what Justice is about. For, in being present to one another the members of a community, even society, understand the needs of others and provide for one another. In that, the Good News is preached.

We Are In the Season Advent!

Regulars here recall this is the beginning of the Church’s year. It is not Christmas Season regardless of the advertisements or decorations in the stores and on line. Please refrain from decorating as such.

It is a period of preparation to celebrate the first coming of Jesus the King and of preparation for His second coming. The emphasis is on the Second Coming that we each may be ready to meet the Lord.

Thus,we practicing Christians may prepare decorations and gifts. HOWEVER, we DO NOT decorate the house as though it is already Christmas. We decorate in the spirit of this season of anticipation and reflection on our spiritual and moral lives. Prepare an Advent Wreath and use light purple colors around the house. Renew family time around the supper table and pray a simple prayer of thanksgiving, at least.

Thank you for properly observing the TRUE faith Tradition of Christianity.

Fr. Robert Tywoniak