Open Reflections

για Ελληνικά πατήστε εδώ

An affirmation of life and love

In the late Middle Ages the Alchemists were striving to find the legendary philosopher’s stone in order to change base metals into gold and the “elixir of life” that would prolong life indefinitely.

In our time, scientists struggle to discover the “unifying theory” that will explain the cosmos and all the laws governing it. There is a strong drive in human nature to try to look forever higher and further.

There is, however, a temptation often present in these endeavours, namely the arrogance and “self-sufficiency” of man vis -à-vis his Creator:

When in 1667 the Academy of Montmor was founded in Paris it clearly stated as its purpose the discovery “of the clearer knowledge of the works of God”.

Nowadays it is considered almost unacceptable to “mix” the two “fields” of science and faith.

Man cannot live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Mt. 4, 4)

In order to find fulfillment in our life we need both, to learn and look after our world and to seek the grace of God.

Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Gen. 2, 7).

Although we are part of the earthly world we are, also, spiritual beings in the image of God. Even more: we share in the divine nature through Christ!

Our life in Christ is not a prolongation of this earthly life, neither is it an explanation of this world, but rather an affirmation of life and love.

God is a loving Father, each and every one of us has been called to the salvation (eternal life) through the cross of Christ and the Holy Spirit unites us in the Body of Christ.

Let us then work hard, with gratitude and humility, to discover more about the amazing beauty, harmony and wisdom present in the world.

Globalization

Globalization is a fact, and we may see many of its application in our everyday affairs, from reading / viewing the news on the Internet to buying exotic fresh fruit from far away countries.

Whatever happens in the remotest corner of our planet becomes instantly known worldwide.

As Christians we have to recognize the undisputed positive side of globalization.

First of all, we may claim as our very own a “first initiation” to globalization since our Lord sent His disciples on the mission to preach the Gospel “to the ends of the earth” (Mt. 28, 19)!

The Christian Faith is one, universal (catholic) and missionary (i.e. apostolic); it anticipates a unified human family whose horizon goes beyond the earthly limits of this world.

This Faith which is born in and through the Church is founded in the reality of the Incarnation of the Word of God, who willingly died on the cross so that we “may all be one” (John 17, 21).

The bread and wine “fruit of the earth and work of human hands” becomes our spiritual nourishment that accompanies us in our way.

Participants in the divine nature

 

It is with great confidence and certainty that we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. For under the form of the bread it is the Body that is given you and under the form of wine it is the Blood, so that partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, you become one body and one blood with Christ.

Hence, we become Christ-bearers, i.e. we carry within ourselves Christ, because His Body and Blood are spread in our members.

As Saint Peter says: “We become participants of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1, 4)

 Cyril of Alexandria, 4th / 5th century

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