With joy in our hearts we would like to point out that in the Third World God is a reality that one can experience. In Asia we learn that meditation and silence before God is a widespread movement among the people; in Africa, that the body is really a temple of God and that the presence of the living God is celebrated with rhythm and dance; in Latin America, that the religiosity of the people and the worship of saints in spite of all exploitation are realities which give meaning to the people’s lives.
We remember Francis of Assisi who prays to God every time and everywhere and who loves all creatures. He retreated into the stillness of the caves, forests and churches. He translated his inner experience of God into paintings, gestures and plays. He played the mysteries of Jesus (Christmas, Easter, Eucharist...). He involved himself with the needs of the people, to see with his own eyes, to touch with his own hands. In everything he did in the world he was completely with God and before God he was totally filled with the problems of the world.
Because of this we shall give importance to prayer, Liturgy and silence. We shall meet without fear the outburst of faith among the people and creatively take part in it. Whenever we stand before God with our people, all our struggles and sufferings, all expectations and hopes are brought into a dimension which transcends everything and at the same time fulfils everything.
From Interfranciscan Message “Mattli 1982”. CCFMC, Lesson Unit 10
back
print