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The Shattered World of the Redeemed Man       These divisions are seen in the relationship between individuals and groups, and also at the level of larger groups: nations against nations, and blocs of opposing countries, in ahead long quest for domination. At the root of this alienation it is not hard to discern conflicts which , instead of being resolved through dialogue, grow more acute in confrontation and opposition.       Careful observers, studying the elements that cause division, discover reasons of the most widely differing kinds: from the growing disproportion between groups, social classes and countries, to ideological rivalries that are far from dead; from the opposition between economic interests to political polarization; from tribal differences to discrimination; for social and religious reasons. Moreover, certain facts that are obvious to all constitute as it were the pitiful face of the division of which they are the fruit, and demonstrate its seriousness in an inescapably concrete way.       Among the many painful social phenomena of our times one can note:       (1) The trampling upon the basic rights of the human person, the first of these being the right to life and to a worthy quality of life, which is all the more scandalous in that it coexists with a rhetoric never been known on these same rights;       (2) Hidden attacks and pressures against the freedom of individuals and groups, not excluding the freedom which is must offended against and threatened: the freedom to have, profess and practice one's own faith;       (3) The various forms of discrimination; racial, cultural, religious, etc.       (4) Violence and terrorism;       (5) The use of torture and unjust and unlawful methods of repression;       (6) The stockpiling of conventional or atomic weapons, the arms race with the spending on military purposes of sums which could be used to alleviate the undeserved misery of peoples that are socially and economically depressed;       (7) An unfair distribution of the world's resources and of the assets of civilization, which reaches the highest point in a type of social organization whereby the distance between the human conditions of the rich and the poor becomes ever greater[ Pope John Paul II, Gaudium et Spes ] ."       The overwhelming power of this division makes the world in which we live a world shattered to its very foundations. Moreover, the Church- without identifying herself with the world or being of the world- is in the world and is engaged in dialogue with the world [Gaudium et Spes, 3, 43,44]; It is therefore not surprising if one notice in the structure of the Church herself repercussions and signs of the division affecting human society. Over and above the divisions between the Christian communions that have affected her for centuries, the Church today is experiencing within herself sporadic divisions among its own members, divisions caused by differing views or opinions, in doctrinal and pastoral fields. These divisions too can at times seem incurable. However, disturbing these divisions may seem at first sight, it is only by a careful examination that one can detect their root: it is to be found in a wound in man's inmost self. In the light of faith, from birth as an inheritance from our first parents, to the sin which each one of us commits when we abuse our own freedom.       The answer to end these divisions shattering the world of the redeemed man is the longing for reconciliation. Some consider reconciliation as an impossible dream which ideally might become the lever for a true transformation of society. For others, it is to be gained by arduous efforts and therefore a goal to be reached through serious reflection and action. Whatever the longing for sincere and consistent reconciliation is without a shadow of doubt, a fundamental driving force in our society, reflecting an irrepressible desire for peace. And it is as strongly so as the factors of division, even though this is a paradox.       But reconciliation cannot be less profound than the division itself. The longing for reconciliation, and reconciliation itself, will be complete and effective only to the extent that they reach- in order to heal it- that original wound which is the root of all other wounds, namely SIN. [Gaudium et Spes, 44].       God is Great! Back | Home | Next

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