A universal vision of love

To solve the problems of development. A highly topical thought of Chiara Lubich of the 70s

The problems of the Third World are very serious. What is needed is a massive transfer of goods, a restructuring, a major overhaul. 
And we do not know how to do all this. 

We are not able to work out comprehensive plans for the whole world, not even in order to help it, because this would require a universal love.

For this we must have the collaboration of the one who created this world, who knows its destinies, and who penetrates the most hidden thoughts of men, their aspirations and the spiritual and material capacities of peoples.

He who knows this humanity by direct experience also, he who sums up mankind because he is not just a man but Man: he alone can set alight in us a spirit and a universal vision of Love. 

Pope John XXIII, for instance, told us we should measure the surplus we give to others by the extent of their need. 
But who will measure the need of all our brothers except some one who has in himself the measure of mankind? Only Christ has this measure.

And, in general, he wants to act in the world through Christians. And he can do this with those in whom, filled with love, he fully lives and acts. 

Then the plans they make will be illuminated by his wisdom and will be carried out despite all the difficulties.

Excerpt from "Underdeveloped christians" published in Yes yes no no - New City London, 1977