Jesus challenges his disciples to go beyond the strict justice of the Old Testament and embrace a new way of responding to violence and injustice. Instead of seeking revenge or resisting evil, Jesus calls his followers to forgive, to turn the other cheek, and to give generously even to their enemies. This radical love, which imitates the love of God, requires a willingness to let go of everything and to put oneself totally at the service of others.
The Catholic Church teaches that “Peace in this world, which is required for the respect and development of human life, is not simply the absence of war or a balance of power between adversaries. It is ‘the tranquility of order’ (Saint Augustine), ‘the work of justice’ (Isaiah 32:17) and the effect of charity. Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ” (CCCC 481).
Wise words from the philosopher, Socrates: “How can you call a man free when his pleasures rule over him?” Not to be led by their passions and addictions, humans need ascesis. Christians, in particular, are asked to follow the way of Jesus, who says: “If any want to be my followers let them deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me”.
The facilities of the Macau Catholic Culture Association are currently undergoing a major expansion to accommodate an increasing number of cultural events. The ongoing development will rehabilitate and expand the premises’ existing capacities, by adding an extra floor. From May onwards, the second floor of the Association’s headquarters will be used as extended exhibition space, O Clarim was told.
Caritas Macau has launched a fundraising campaign to collect donations for the victims of the earthquake that devastated eastern Turkey and northern Syria last week. The Catholic aid agency opened bank accounts in five local banking institutions and will place donation boxes across the city. The initiative, Paul Pun told O Clarim, will run until May.
From mid-December to mid-January, Father José Ángel Hernández had his hands full. Chaplain at the Conde de São Januário public hospital, the Mexican priest divided his time between Macau’s two largest health facilities. His mission? To offer spiritual comfort to those that were readying themselves to embark on their last journey. Despite being surrounded with people that were sick, he managed to evade catching COVID-19.
As followers of Christ, we must strive to balance justice and mercy in our lives. Discernment and humility are key in this journey, guided by the Holy Spirit, to live a just and merciful life, fulfilling God’s law with righteousness. Let us avoid superficiality and carelessness, with the help of grace and discipline, to live a life that exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
Keeping the commandments will not be enough to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus teaches that the commandments have deeper implications beyond just avoiding physical harm and that the true measure of obedience lies in the motives of the heart. Through his teachings, Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciling with others, avoiding adulterous thoughts and relationships, remaining faithful in marriage, and speaking truthfully without the need for oaths.
The Catholic Church recognizes the sacredness of human life and provides guidance on how to treat embryos, the sick, and the dying with respect and dignity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines the obligation to protect human life, and addresses the morality of medical experiments and organ donation, as well as guidelines for end-of-life care. Let us explore this important moral and ethical issue through the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Declaration on Human Fraternity is an important annual event that celebrates the signing of the declaration by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Even as religious extremism increases in some regions of the Indian subcontinent, we reflect on the importance of respecting individual freedom of choice and consent in matters of belief, in order to foster a culture of goodness, peace, and fraternity.