20 Jul 2005 | Non categorizzato
“What future lies ahead for a multicultural, multiethnic and multifaith society?” This is the disquieting question not only of England but of the whole Europe and beyond, after the tragedy that struck the heart of London, the most cosmopolitan city of the Old World on July 7, and Sharm el Sheik in Egypt on July 23.
The question is also the title of the Mariapolis, the summer meeting offered by the Focolare in various parts of the world. That of England started on July 24 at Lake District Windermere, northern England; the participants were about 600, including a group of Muslims.
Just last year, on June 19, 2004, Chiara Lubich gave an answer – which is very timely in these days – to the question about a multicultural society. The occasion was a meeting at Westminster Central Hall, attended by over 2,000 people, including leading Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu personalities. Her message is now being shown through videotape in the various Mariapolis.
Not a clash of civilizations, but the birth of a united world. In front of fears for the future, Chiara Lubich presents St. Augustine’s opinion about the migration of peoples occurring during his times. She indicates dialogue as a preventive measure against terrorism, and the “golden rule,” common to many religions, as the way to achieve it: “Do not do unto others what you wouldn’t want others to do unto you.” In other words: a love that knows how to be one with the other, to the point of “getting into the other’s skin… understanding what it means for the other to be Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu.” This is the way to practice reciprocal inculturation and build a society where “cultures are open to one another … in a profound dialogue of reciprocal love. “ She invites the religions to take the strategy of fraternity in order to heal the gap between rich and poor and effect a turning point in international relations.
A large number of echoes have arrived via e-mail from different countries, from Christians, Muslims and faithful of other religions who participated in the Mariapolis held during the summer months. Here is what they write from Los Angeles, where a group of Muslim friends (followers of W.D. Mohammed, leader of The Mosque Cares) were present at the Mariapolis: “Listening to this message of universal brotherhood together, right after hearing the news of the London terrorist attack, was really a sign of hope. Everyone was strongly impressed to see that among us, universal brotherhood was already a reality.” From the Mariapolis of St. Vith (Belgium), where18 different nationalities were represented, they wrote: “What struck the Muslims most was the experience of God’s presence in the midst of the community through mutual love.” The same experience was made in Amman (Jordan), where a group from Iraq was also present, and in Istanbul. A Muslim ex-military man, now a professor, commented: “Here I have seen brotherhood assume another dimension. All that we’ve heard reminds me of the thoughts of Mevlana (a noted Turkish Muslim mystic).” A Muslim woman remarked: “Here diversity has been transformed into unity. We have experienced the rainbow of peace, coloured by love.”
17 Jul 2005 | Non categorizzato
The history of Jewish-Christian relationships is a painful one, made up of centuries of violence and defamation. Only a few decades ago have “elder” and “younger” brothers started to look at each other in the eye and speak to one another. While supporters of dialogue are growing in number among the Jews, Christians are recognizing the Jewish roots of their faith with growing conviction. In Brunori’s book, leading exponents of Judaism and Catholicism share their views with readers as they answer a reporter’s questions about such pressing issues as the role of Pius XII during the Jewish persecution, the figure of John Paul II (considered by the Jews as the best Pope in 20 centuries of Christianity), and the legacy he has left in the hands of his successor Benedict XVI. Other topics dealt with are: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the spread of terrorism and the resurgence of antisemitism, as well as the initiatives and hopes of those who are committed to dialogue and who believe that, finally, open relationships, free of prejudice, are possible. Exponents: Jack Bemporad, Riccardo Di Segni, Xavier Echevarria, Rino Fisichella, Innocenzo Gargano, Ada Janes, Leone Jehuda Kalon, Giuseppe Laras, Chiara Lubich, Amos Luzzatto, David Meghnagi, Jorge Maria Mejía, David Rosen, Manuela Sadun Paggi, Joseph Sievers, Ambrogio Spreafico, Elio Toaff, Maria Vingiani. La Croce e la Sinagoga Ebrei e cristiani a confronto edited by Giovan Battista Brunori Franco Angeli Editore
17 Jul 2005 | Non categorizzato
3 Jul 2005 | Non categorizzato
I’ve been in Turkey for some years now because of my work. I have a lot of free time, so I spend it translating some books of spirituality from Italian to Turkish. I spend hours and days in front of the computer, sweating it out to be able to translate materials of Christian spirituality into the Turkish language – a country without Christian roots. At times I would ask myself if what I was doing wasn’t useless, but then I would entrust all my difficulties to the Father. The work I was doing did have a meaning – that of giving Him my time and efforts.
A change of life
I was about to leave for vacation, when the typographer who printed those books phoned me. “I found out that you’re leaving,” he said, “I need to speak to you urgently.” When he came to see me the next morning, I could hardly recognize him. He had lost weight, he looked run down and his eyes were red, as if he had been crying. I let him in and offered him a cup of coffee. “I’m sorry if I have to disturb you,” he started at once, ”but I feel I cannot but tell you what happened to me. Do you know that the book you asked me to print has changed my whole life? I read it over and over again, and it gave me an unimaginable strength, so much so that I was able to start life all over again. My wife left me a month and a half ago. I couldn’t believe it could happen after 26 years of marriage, but our family has been ruined by witchcraft, the evil eye … By the way, do you believe in these things?”
A strength greater than any difficulty
I answered no, and that I believed instead in the Almighty God who guides our lives. He then said, “This is what I understood, as I read that book. How I wish my wife would read it, too. You know,” he continued, “I got to the point of wanting to commit suicide. I’ve actually tried it twice, without success. I used to be on psychiatric treatment, but now I’ve stopped going and have also stopped taking medicines. I understood that within me I have a greater strength which enables me to overcome all difficulties. The central idea I found in that book is like a treasure that I will always keep close to my heart.”
My friend, the typographer, was slowly discovering a God who is living, who is near and helps those who are in need. I promised him that I would pray for his wife’s return. When he left, he seemed changed, younger and lighter.
R.M. – Turkey
Translated from Quando Dio interviene – Esperienze da tutto il mondo Città Nuova Editrice 2004
1 Jul 2005 | Non categorizzato
My dear young people! 1. This year we have celebrated the 19th World Youth Day, meditating on the desire expressed by some Greeks who had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover: “We wish to see Jesus” (Jn 12:21). And here we are now, making our way to Cologne where, in August 2005, the 20th World Youth Day is to be celebrated. “We have come to worship him” (Mt 2:2): this is the theme of the next World Youth Day. It is a theme that enables young people from every continent to follow in spirit the path taken by the Magi whose relics, according to a pious tradition, are venerated in this very city, and to meet, as they did, the Messiah of all nations. It is true to say that the light of Christ had already opened the minds and the hearts of the Magi. “They went their way” (Mt 2:9), says the Evangelist, setting out boldly along unknown paths on a long, and by no means easy, journey. They did not hesitate to leave everything behind in order to follow the star that they had seen in the East (cf Mt 2:2). Imitating the Magi, you young people are also making preparations to set out on a “journey” from every region of the world to go to Cologne. It is important for you not only to concern yourselves with the practical arrangements for World Youth Day, but first of all you must carefully prepare yourselves spiritually, in an atmosphere of faith and listening to the Word of God. 2. “And the star… went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was” (Mt 2:9). The Magi reached Bethlehem because they had obediently allowed themselves to be guided by the star. Indeed, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Mt 2:10). It is important, my dear friends, to learn to observe the signs with which God is calling us and guiding us. When we are conscious of being led by Him, our heart experiences authentic and deep joy as well as a powerful desire to meet Him and a persevering strength to follow Him obediently. “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Mt 2:11). There is nothing extraordinary about this at first sight. Yet that Child was different from any other: He is the only Son of God, yet He emptied Himself of His glory (cf Phil 2:7) and came to earth to die on the Cross. He came down among us and became poor in order to reveal to us His divine glory, which we shall contemplate fully in heaven, our blessed home. Who could have invented a greater sign of love? We are left in awe before the mystery of a God who lowered himself to take on our human condition, to the point of giving His life for us on the Cross (cf Phil 2:6-8). In His poverty, – as Saint Paul reminds us – “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9), and came to offer salvation to sinners. How can we give thanks to God for such magnanimous goodness? 3. The Magi found Jesus at “Bêth-lehem” which means “house of bread”. In the humble stable in Bethlehem on some straw lay the “grain of wheat” who, by dying, would bring forth “much fruit” (cf Jn 12:24). When speaking of Himself and His saving mission in the course of His public life, Jesus would later use the image of bread. He would say “I am the bread of life”, “I am the bread which came down from heaven”, “the bread that I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh”. (Jn 6: 35.41.51). Faithfully pursuing the path of our Redeemer from the poverty of the Crib to His abandonment on the Cross we can better understand the mystery of His love which redeems humanity. The Child, laid by Mary in the manger, is the Man-God we shall see nailed to the Cross. The same Redeemer is present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. In the stable at Bethlehem He allowed himself to be worshipped under the humble outward appearances of a newborn baby, by Mary, by Joseph and by the shepherds; in the consecrated Host we adore Him sacramentally present in his body, blood, soul and godhead, and He offers himself to us as the food of eternal life. The Mass then becomes a truly loving encounter with the One who gave himself wholly for us. Do not hesitate, my dear young friends, to respond to Him when He invites you “to the wedding feast of the Lamb (cf Rev 19:9). Listen to him, prepare yourselves properly and draw close to the Sacrament of the Altar, particularly in this Year of the Eucharist (October 2004-2005) which I have proclaimed for the whole Church. 4. “They fell down and worshipped Him” (Mt 2:11). While the Magi acknowledged and worshipped the baby that Mary cradled in her arms as the One awaited by the nations and foretold by prophets, today we can also worship Him in the Eucharist, and acknowledge Him as our Creator, our only Lord and Saviour. “Opening their treasures they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Mt 2:11). The gifts that the Magi offered the Messiah symbolised true worship. With gold, they emphasised His Royal Godhead; with incense, they acknowledged Him as the priest of the New Covenant; by offering Him myrrh, they celebrated the prophet who would shed His own blood to reconcile humanity with the Father. My dear young people, you too offer to the Lord the gold of your lives, namely, your freedom to follow Him out of love, responding faithfully to His call; let the incense of your fervent prayer rise up to him, in praise of His glory; offer Him your myrrh, that is your affection of total gratitude to Him, true Man, who loved us to the point of dying as a criminal on Golgotha. 5. Be worshippers of the only true God, giving Him pride of place in your lives! Idolatry is an ever-present temptation. Sadly, there are those who seek the solution to their problems in religious practices that are incompatible with the Christian faith. There is a strong urge to believe in the facile myths of success and power; it is dangerous to accept the fleeting ideas of the sacred which present God in the form of cosmic energy, or in any other manner that is inconsistent with Catholic teaching. My dear young people, do not yield to false illusions and passing fads which so frequently leave behind a tragic spiritual vacuum! Reject the seduction of wealth, consumerism and the subtle violence sometimes used by the mass media. Worshipping the true God is an authentic act of resistance to all forms of idolatry. Worship Christ: He is the Rock on which to build your future and a world of greater justice and solidarity. Jesus is the Prince of peace: the source of forgiveness and reconciliation, who can make brothers and sisters of all the members of the human family. 6. “And they departed to their own country by another way” (Mt 2:12). The Gospel tells us that after their meeting with Christ, the Magi returned home “by another way”. This change of route can symbolise the conversion to which all those who encounter Jesus are called, in order to become the true worshippers that He desires (cf Jn 4: 23-24). This entails imitating the way He acted by becoming, as the apostle Paul writes, “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God”. The apostle then adds that we must not be conformed to the mentality of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds, to “prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (cf Rm 12: 1-2). Listening to Christ and worshipping Him leads us to make courageous choices, to take what are sometimes heroic decisions. Jesus is demanding, because He wishes our genuine happiness. He calls some to give up everything to follow Him in the priestly or consecrated life. Those who hear this invitation must not be afraid to say “yes” and to generously set about following Him as His disciples. But in addition to vocations to special forms of consecration there is also the specific vocation of all baptised Christians: that is also a vocation to that “high standard” of ordinary Christian living which is expressed in holiness (cf Novo Millennio Ineunte, 31). When we meet Christ and accept His Gospel, life changes and we are driven to communicate our experience to others. There are so many of our contemporaries who do not yet know the love of God or who are seeking to fill their hearts with trifling substitutes. It is therefore urgently necessary for us to be witnesses to love contemplated in Christ. The invitation to take part in World Youth Day is also extended to you, dear friends, who are not baptised or who do not identify with the Church. Are you not perhaps yearning for the Absolute and in search of “something” to give a meaning to your lives? Turn to Christ and you will not be let down. 7. Dear young people, the Church needs genuine witnesses for the new evangelisation: men and women whose lives have been transformed by meeting with Jesus, men and women who are capable of communicating this experience to others. The Church needs saints. All are called to holiness, and holy people alone can renew humanity. Many have gone before us along this path of Gospel heroism, and I urge you to turn often to them to pray for their intercession. By meeting in Cologne you will learn to become better acquainted with some of them, such as St Boniface, the apostle of Germany, the Saints of Cologne, and in particular Ursula, Albert the Great, Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) and Blessed Adolph Kolping. Of these I would like to specifically mention St Albert and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross who, with the same interior attitude as the Magi, were passionate seekers after the truth. They had no hesitation in placing their intellectual abilities at the service of the faith, thereby demonstrating that faith and reason are linked and seek each other. My dear young people as you move forward in spirit towards Cologne, the pope will accompany you with his prayers. May Mary, “Eucharistic woman” and Mother of Wisdom, support you along the way, enlighten your decisions, and teach you to love what is true, good and beautiful. May she lead you all to her Son, who alone can satisfy the innermost yearnings of the human mind and heart. Go with my blessing! Castel Gandolfo, 6 August 2004 JOHN PAUL II
1 Jul 2005 | Non categorizzato
The Focolare’s youth, coming from various continents, will communicate their experiences and present some artistic numbers which compliment the catechisms scheduled in Cologne on August 17-18-19, during the World Youth Day, as a preparation for the conclusive day with the Holy Father. “Colourdome” is the name of the initiative of the Youth for a United World, as their contribution to WYD 2005 in Cologne. “Colourdome” aims to express and communicate how the love of the Gospel can colour life, transforming its various aspects. From Tuesday, August 16th to Friday August 19th, the Friedenspark, Park of Peace, in South Central Cologne, along Oberländer Wall, will be transformed into a colourful festival with a central stage, which will be surrounded by 7 areas, each marked by a different colour of the rainbow. With the language of music, theatre, and dance, young people will be invited to meet and exchange reflections and experiences, to celebrate and pray, to relax and participate in sports. Each area will offer a program with various themes: that of the “culture of giving”, dialogue with other religions, the search for the meaning of pain, just to name a few. One of the areas will be dedicated to sports, such as volleyball, street-soccer and various games whose aim is to get to know youth from all over the world. There will be concerts on the center stage every day. A concert by the international band, Gen Rosso, entitled Give Peace a Hand is scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 17th. On Wednesday afternoon, August 17th and Friday afternoon, August 19th , there will be two round table discussions on aid for Tsunami and global solidarity, given by the German Episcopal Conference and the Public Protection (Technisches Hilfswerk).
Interactive areas Red: Time to share for a culture of giving – economy, work, consumerism Orange: Face the world 360� dialogue – dialogue, ethnics, religions Yellow: To be with You suffering has a place – pain, suffering, illness Green: Get the feeling living life to the fullest – sports and leisure time Blue: Discover His Beauty God in culture – art, music, culture Indigo: Think about life vision and planning – society, politics and much more Violet: Hold the line communication and mass media – entertainment, mass media, pubblicity Form more information, email to: sgmu@focolare.org wjt2005@geeintewelt.de
