Set reasonable limits on growth

April 18, 2019

193. In any event, if in some cases sustainable development were to involve new forms of growth, then in other cases, given the insatiable and irresponsible growth produced over many decades, we need also to think of containing growth by setting some reasonable limits and even retracing our steps before it is too late. We know how unsustainable is the behavior of those who constantly consume and destroy, while others are not yet able to live in a way worthy of their human dignity. That is why the time has come to accept decreased growth in some parts of the world, in order to provide resources for other places to experience healthy growth. Benedict XVI has said that “technologically advanced societies must be prepared to encourage more sober lifestyles, while reducing their energy consumption and improving its efficiency.” (Message for World Day of Peace 2010)

Source : Laudato Si'

Fr. Juan J. Sosa

St. Joseph Church

The whole Church rejoices today because in Christ we have all been raised from the dead. Christ is the Paschal Lamb who was sacrificed for us and now shows us the path of salvation. Great crowds will attend Masses in our churches today and the liturgical ministers need to be ready to receive them. Our hospitality must exceed all expectations. Many of those who visit our Churches may not do so frequently, but perhaps their hearts were moved on Good Friday and now they feel called to approach the Lord because of the poignant message they heard during the last few days. In fact, some claim Easter Sunday as a family in which all members gather to give thanks to God for their health, their life and the reconciliation Christ has gained for them. Today’s readings proclaim that Jesus Christ dwells among us. Beginning with the First Reading, the testimony of the apostles proudly announces the triumph of our Lord. After the Second Reading, the choir sings the traditional Easter Sequence and invites the assembly to join in its Antiphons. The Gospel emphasizes that darkness has been transformed by hope as Mary Magdalene, Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved discover the empty tomb.

As we listen to these texts we can ask ourselves:

• Have we experienced a similar transformation in our hearts, a movement from the shadows into light, from despair into hope, from indifference into love?
• How can we describe this transformation to others?

Fr. Juan J. Sosa
Pastor