To hope does not mean to know the future, but rather to be open, in an attitude of spiritual childhood, to accepting it as a gift.

As we progress, various shades of meaning and deeper levels of understanding will complement this initial effort.

There are not two histories, one profane and one sacred, 'juxtaposed' or 'closely linked.' Rather there is only one human destiny.

Charity is today a 'political charity.'. . . it means the transformation of a society structured to benefit a few who appropriate to themselves the value of the work of others. This transformation ought to be directed toward a radical change in the foundation of society, that is, the private ownership of the means of production.

The complete encounter with the Lord will mark an end to history, but it will take place in history.

Although until recently the Church was closely linked to the established order, it is beginning to take a different attitude regarding the exploitation, oppression, and alienation which prevails in Latin America. This has caused concern among the beneficiaries and defenders of capitalist society, who no longer can depend on what used to be - whether consciously or unconsciously - one of their mainstays.

In the Bible poverty is a scandalous condition inimical to human dignity and therefore contrary to the will of God.