THE FORESHADOWING OF THE NEW AGE (From the pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world of the Second Vatican Council) We do not know the time when earth and humanity will reach their completion, nor do we know the way in which the universe will be transformed. The world as we see it, disfiguredby sin, is passing away. But we are sure that God is preparing a new dwelling place and a new earth. In this new earth righteousness is to make its home, and happiness will satisfy, and more than satisfy, all the yearnings for peace that arise in human hearts. On that day,when death is conquered, the sons of God will be raised up in Christ; what was sown as something weak and perishable will be clothedin incorruption. Love and the fruits of love will remain, and the whole of creation, made by God for man, will be set free from the frustration that enslaves it. We are warned indeed that a man gains nothing if he wins the whole world at the cost of himself. Yet our hope in a new earth should not weaken, but rather stimulate our concern for developing this earth, for on it there is growing up the body of a new human family, a body even now able to provide some foreshadowing of the new age. Hence, though earthly progress is to be carefully distinguished from the growth of Christ’s kingdom, yet in so far as it can help toward thebetter ordering of human society it is of great importance to the kingdom of God. The blessings of human dignity, brotherly communion and freedom—all the good fruits on earth of man’s co-operation with nature in the Spirit of the Lord and according to his command—will be found again in the world to come, but purified of all stain, resplendent andtransfigured, when Christ hands over to the Father an eternal and everlasting kingdom: “a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.” On this earth the kingdom is already present in sign; when the Lord comes it will reach its completion. RESPONSORY Psalm 96:11; Isaiah 49:13; Psalm 72:7 Rejoice, you heavens, and celebrate, O earth; cry out with praise, you mountains, for the Lord is coming. – He will have compassion on his poor. In his days justice will flourish and peace will abound. – He will have compassion on his poor. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. – Amen.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 05:14:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015