Message for 2010 Biblical Week

       Rt. Rev. Abbot Simon Petro Ri Hyong-u, O.S.B., Apostolic Administrator of Territorial Abbacy of Tokwon and President of the CBCK Biblical Committee, issued a message for 2010 Biblical Week which will be celebrated from November 21 to 27, 2010.

In the message entitled "The Words of Life", Abbot Ri emphasized what the faithful, disciples of Christ, need to do with the words of eternal life.

     First of all, Abbot Ri said that disciples of Christ obey the words of eternal life, quoting "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (Jn. 6,68).

     Secondly, Abbot Ri said that followers of Christ practice prophetic offices by preaching the gospel. St, Paul, the apostle, proved it by saying "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel" (1Cor. 1,17).

     Thirdly, disciples of Christ, Abbot Ri mentioned, proclaim the words of eternal life to all the creatures in the world. The words of life are not only to console internal lives but also to give us chances to find out our identities. In addition, they can make us reconcile with God and all the neighbors so that we can have better relationship. Therefore, Abbot Ri added that the words of life invite all the humans embracing the nature and the universe to eternal life.

     Lastly, Abbot Ri said that all the creatures are companions towards eternal life. Abbot Ri explained this with what Pope John XXIII wrote in the encyclical Mater et Magistra. He said that when God said, "fill the earth, and subdue it," it did not mean that He gave us power not to destroy nature but to entrusted nature to us for good of life of human.

     In conclusion, Abbot Ri mentioned that danger of nature is, that is to say, one of humankind. This danger is a challenge that we, the followers of Christ, must overcome. He also added that we, disciples of the words, should put more efforts to practice love for God, neighbors and nature on the basis of divine love.