January 5, 2012 A Harmonious Society
In recent years the leaders of China
have often spoken about the goal of "a harmonious society"
"Harmonious" in the Chinese context
is sometimes code for "no protests"
But the goal is a most worthy one,
not just for China,
but for every nation
and for the whole human family
Which is why Vatican 2,
at the very start of its document "Lumen Gentium" (see reflection
13)
says that the Church is an instrument of harmony/unity...
...not an instrument of discord/disunity,
except sometimes, as Jesus explained,
when standing up for truth can cause division
In most parts of the world,
people long for "a harmonious society"
Many governments are genuine promoters of social harmony
This morning my early walk
took me past what the Gold Coast City Council calls
"a community precinct"...
....an area dedicated to community service
and church groups
A 10 minute walk in this area takes one past
- homes for the aged, run by Masons, Rotary and other groups
- homes for the handicapped run by church and other groups
- a mosque
- a Buddhist social center
- several Protestant/Evangelical churches
- a Serbian Orthodox church
- a Vincent de Paul center
A wonderful example of "a harmonious
society".
Well done, Gold Coast City Council and participating groups!
Jesus, may your Church be "a harmonious society" promoter!