The Messages of Pope Benedict XVI - 1 of 4

The Messages of Pope Benedict XVI – 1 of 4
cinops be gone Sunday, June 1, 2008
Thank you Miles Christi’s Report No. 91 May 2008 titled “Viva il Papa!!” An Apostolic Visit full of hope, and challenges for us all: www.mileschristi.org

1. The Illusion of Materialism: “For an affluent society, a further obstacle to an encounter with the living God lies in the subtle influence of materialism … People today need to be reminded of the ultimate purpose of their lives. The need to recognize that implanted] within them is a deep thirst for God. They need to be given opportunities to drink from the wells of His infinite love. It is easy to be entranced by the almost unlimited possibilities that science and technology place before us; it is easy to make the mistake of thinking we can make the mistake of thinking we can obtain by our own efforts the fulfillment of our deepest needs. This is an illusion. Without God, who alone bestows upon us what we by ourselves cannot attain our lives are ultimately empty. People need to be constantly reminded to cultivate a relationship with Him … The goal of all our pastoral and catechetical work, the object of our preaching, and the focus of our sacramental ministry should be to help people establish and nurture that living relationship with ‘ Christ Jesus, our hope” (1 Tim 1: 1” (Address to the Bishops).

2. Secularism: Religion as a Mere Private Matter:
“While it is true that this country is marked by a genuinely religious spirit, the subtle influence of secularism can nevertheless color the way people allow their faith to influence their behavior. Is it consistent to profess our beliefs in church on Sunday, and then during the week to promote business practices or medical procedures contrary to those beliefs? Is it consistent for practicing Catholics to ignore or exploit the poor and the marginalized, to promote sexual behavior contrary to Catholic moral teaching, or to adopt positions that contradict the right to life of every human being from conception to natural death? Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel.” (Ibid.).

3. Participation in the Public Square
“Clearly, the Church’s influence on public debate takes place on many different levels. In the United States, as elsewhere, there is much current and proposed legislation that gives cause for concern from the point of view of morality, and the Catholic community, under your guidance, needs to offer a clear and united witness on such matters. Even more important, though, is the gradual opening of the minds and hearts of the minds and hearts of the wider community to moral truth. Here much remains to be done. Crucial in this regard is the role of the lay faithful to act as a ‘leaven’ in society. Yet it cannot be assumed that all Catholic citizens think in harmony with the Church’s teaching on today’s key ethical questions. Once again, if falls to you to ensure that the moral formation provided at every level of ecclesial life reflects the authentic teaching of the Gospel of life.” (Ibid.).

“The writings on the wall (Mene, Tekel, and Parsin) was a message for all those who defy God. Although Belshazzar had power and wealth, his kingdom was totally corrupt, and he could not withstand the judgment of God. God’s time of judgment comes for all people. … turn away from your sin now before God denies you more opportunities to repent. Ask God to forgive you and begin to live by his standard of justice.” P. 225 The Best of the Bible, 1996, Tyndale House P.
George H. Kubeck, P.O. 579, Stanton, Ca. 90680- 9998