To rediscover truly human understanding, illuminated by the presence of God, is the first work for the rebuilding of the world.

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

It is a great privledge to be able to facilitate the Ecclesial Team training sessions on Spe Salvi (we are in our 4th period today) for to dialogue with a 25 yr priest, a transitional deacon, a transitonal brother, a professed sister, a senior lay man and a senior lay woman, I am able to participate in the model of CHURCH that we are called to witness (our charism) to the world. My wife and kids will be missing from the class, but I hope to have them aboard on our Thursday bus trip through Corpus Christi.

The quote in the title is from a response by Pope Benedict in a recent audience with priests, where he addressed the concerns a young seminarian who bemoaned society's lack of understanding of the four last things (Death, Judgement, Heaven, Hell).

In saying, "To rediscover truly human understanding, illuminated by the presence of God, is the first work for the rebuilding of the world." the Holy Father is speaking to the absolute centrality of the Eucharistic Mystery of LIGHT. He says this after describing the social systems (Fascism, Communisim, etal) that attempted to recreate paradise without keeping the Judeo-Christian God clearly in mind and heart as the Supreme Being who made all things. He goes on to say, "The rebuilding of the world, respecting the planet's cry of suffering, can be realized only by rediscovering God in the soul, with one's eyes open to God. "

In Spe Salvi the Holy Father talks of a natural hope (human love) that leads to and reinforces Supernatural HOPE (Divine Love). The connection is simple yet profound. We must love one another as Jesus has loved us and see the Holy Eucharist as the Light, Life and Love (the Sacrament of Jesus' Love) that leads us to and through the end of the tunnel, to Eternal LIGHT.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio, SOLT

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

If you have a few minutes please go to the following sites
and see what I have been compelled to work on since 2004.

http://soltlaity.org/breadoflife.htm

http://soltlaity.org/slideshow.htm

I will attempt to answer any and all inquiries at jmjriz@aol.com.

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* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for: Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas; St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael