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Chiara Lubich. Unity, A Divine Dream

Chiara Lubich. Unity, A Divine Dream

Jul 10, 2016 | Non categorizzato

Foto: Nitin Dhumal

Photo: Nitin Dhumal

Unity is a divine word. If this word were ever uttered by the Lord God, and people were to apply it to all its possible applications, we would see the world suddenly come to a halt, like a film, and start again in reverse. Countless people would on the wide path to perdition would turn around in their tracks, convert to God and take the narrow path. Families torn apart by quarrels, chilled by misunderstandings and scorn and deadened by divorce would get back together again. Children would be born into an atmosphere of human and divine love, and new men and women would be forged for a more Christian tomorrow. Factories often upheld by slaves and steeped in an atmosphere of boredom if not of blasphemy, would become places of peace where everybody did their job for the good of everyone. Schools would break beyond the limits of science, making all forms of knowledge footstools for eternal contemplation learnt at school through a daily unfolding of mysteries that could be intuited from small formulae, natural laws and even numerals . . . And the parliaments would be transformed into meeting places for people who are motivated not so much by each one’s positions, but by the common good, without any deceiving of lands or countrymen. In, we’d see the world become more good. Heaven would be wondrously poured out over the earth, and the harmony of creation would be a framework for the harmony of hearts. We’d see… What a dream! It seems a dream! And yet You didn’t ask for less when you prayed: “You will be done on earth as in Heaven”.

Chiara Lubich

Source: Chiara Lubich, L’unità, compiled by Donato Falmi and Floernce Gillet (Rome: Città Nuova, 2015), originally published in Chiara Lubich, Frammenti, (Rome: Città Nuova, 1963 and 1992), p. 53-54.

Pasquale Foresi. A Decision That Has To Be Renewed

Pasquale Foresi. A Decision That Has To Be Renewed

Jul 5, 2016 | Non categorizzato

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Pasquale Foresi (July, 5 1929 – June, 14 2015)

“To those who have already given themselves to God with all their mind, heart and strength – even beyond their own strength – God asks for a second decision. The first time they chose Him, they understood that they should love God beyond all things. But if we could divide this choice into parts, we’d find that in reality it contained 30% of love for God, 30% of disgust for the mediocrity and emptiness we were living in, 15% of joy and enthusiasm for having given ourselves to such a beautiful and holy cause and, for some of us, perhaps 10% of remorse for our past sins. . .  (…) In fact it’s virtually impossible that the first time we chose God our love for him was not total and complete. But since perfection is only found in love, all of those secondary motives that had helped us at first because they were wrapped in our goodwill and enthusiasm to love God, little by little, the began to resurface and disturb us. It’s natural that they resurface, because already then they were like weeds that grow together with the grain as the Gospel of Matthew tells us. They’re small defects and attachments that aren’t authentic holiness, so they don’t build the Kingdom of God but disturb us and those around us. They may not even be venial sins, but nor are they authentic love. What should we do at that point? We should make a new decision for God. We should decide that love for God should become the only reason for our life – only love.  (…) At that point we have to take a qualitative leap. We have to decide to love God for God, not for what we experience, not for the fruits it brings. We decide to love God for His own sake, in response to His Love for each one of us. We decide to find our reason for living in this union with God, the reason for our everyday life. When we reach this relationship with God, we become free human beings. Whatever happens, whatever calumny, difficulty, worry, bitterness – none of it alters our peace, because we’re rooted in God. And in God we find that unity, that joy, that serenity which only God’s love can give. (…) One thing is certain: deciding for God is a decision that must always be renewed. Perhaps we’ll be called to a third choice and then others, because God’s life is always new, unfailing and filled with surprises.” Pasquale Foresi, Source: Pasquale Foresi, Colloqui, (Rome: Città Nuova Editrice, 2009).

Together for Europe: Concluding Message

Together for Europe: Concluding Message

Jul 2, 2016 | Non categorizzato

Together for Europe Encounter, Reconciliation, Future Munich (Bavaria), 2nd July 2016 Slide_Together4Unity_b There is no alternative to being together “United in diversity”. This European hope is more than ever relevant. Europe must not become a fortress and build new frontiers. There is no alternative to being together. Being together in reconciled diversity is possible. The Gospel – a source of hope Jesus Christ prayed for unity and gave his life for it. This is stated in the Gospel, which for almost 2,000 years has played a key role in the culture of Europe. Jesus Christ teaches us boundless love for all people. He shows us the path of mercy and reconciliation. We can ask forgiveness and forgive one another. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a powerful source from which we can draw hope for the future. Europe – a culture of respect and esteem The terrible experiences of two World Wars have taught us that peace is a precious gift that we must preserve. Our future must be characterised by a culture of respect and esteem for others, even for strangers. Unity is possible – Overcoming divisions We ask all Christians, especially Church leaders, to overcome the divisions. These have caused suffering, violence and injustice, and have undermined the credibility of the Gospel. As Christians we want to live together as people who are reconciled and in full communion. Our commitment We live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bear witness to it with our words and deeds. We are pursuing the path of reconciliation and working to enable our communities, Churches, peoples and cultures to live “unity in diversity”. We meet people of different beliefs and faiths with respect, seeking dialogue with them. We are committed to building up humanity and peace in the world. We have a vision for Europe being together in a way that is stronger than fear or selfishness. We place our trust in the Holy Spirit who continually renews and gives life to the world Concluding Message – Together For Europe, Munich 2016