Saturday, December 6, 2008

1Thes 5, 14-16 Always seek what is good for all

(1Thes 5, 14-16) Always seek what is good for all
[14] We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. [15] See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good (both) for each other and for all. [16] Rejoice always.
(CCC 1829) The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy; charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction; it is benevolence; it fosters reciprocity and remains disinterested and generous; it is friendship and communion: Love is itself the fulfillment of all our works. There is the goal; that is why we run: we run toward it, and once we reach it, in it we shall find rest (St. Augustine, In ep. Jo. 10, 4: PL 35, 2057). (CCC 1435) Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right (Cf. Am 5:24; Isa 1:17), by the admission of faults to one's brethren, fraternal correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance (Cf. Lk 9:23).

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