蜜桃交友

By Pope staff writer

Addressing those gathered at the Conclusion of the Ecumenical day of Prayer for Lebanon Pope Francis noted that on this day, 鈥渟ustained by the prayers of the Holy People of God, in facing this dark situation, we, as pastors, have sought together to be guided by God鈥檚 light鈥�. In this light of His, he continued, 鈥渨e have seen our own lack of clarity鈥� and the mistakes we have made. 鈥淔or all this鈥�, he continued, 鈥渨e ask forgiveness鈥�, and with contrite hearts we pray: 鈥淟ord, have mercy鈥�.

Some 10 senior leaders of the various Christian Churches and communities of Lebanon, along with their delegations, are in the Vatican for a day of prayer and reflection on the current situation of the troubled Middle Eastern nation and its future.

The Pope went on to refer to the woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon, who, with this same plea, in her suffering insistently begged Jesus: 鈥淟ord, help me鈥�.

Joining in one plea

鈥淭oday her plea has become that of an entire people, the disillusioned and weary Lebanese people in need of certainty, hope and peace鈥�, said the Pope. Let us neither desist nor tire of accompanying the Lebanese people in this plea, 鈥渋mploring heaven for that peace which men and women find so difficult to build on earth鈥�. It is a small yet great country, but even more, it is a universal message of peace and fraternity arising from the Middle East.

Referring to the Scriptures, mentioned earlier during the day, Pope Francis then went on to focus on the short phrase 鈥渢he Lord declares that he has plans for peace and not for woe鈥�. In these woeful times, the Pope noted, 鈥渨e want to affirm with all our strength that Lebanon is, and must remain, a project of peace鈥�. The Pope said that Lebanon鈥檚 vocation is to be 鈥渁 land of tolerance and pluralism, an oasis of fraternity where different religions and confessions meet, where different communities live together, putting the common good before their individual interests鈥�. He then went on to stress how essential it is that 鈥渢hose in power choose finally and decisively to work for true peace and not for their own interests鈥�.

To the weak and to the powerful

Addressing the people of Lebanon, Pope Francis noted that 鈥測ou have distinguished yourselves by your resourcefulness and industriousness. He asked that they be inspired by those 鈥済one before鈥� them, 鈥渨ho saw in diversity not obstacles but possibilities, and could thus build common foundations鈥�. Sink your roots in their dreams of peace, said the Pope. Addressing the political leaders, the Pope asked that 鈥渋n accordance with your responsibilities, may you find urgent and durable solutions to the current economic, social and political crisis, mindful that there can be no peace without justice.鈥�

We, Christians

Pope Francis then went on to note that as Christians our wish is 鈥渢o renew our commitment to building a future together鈥�.  Our future will be peaceful only if it is shared, he explained. 鈥淗uman relationships cannot be based on the pursuit of partisan interests, privileges and advantages.鈥� 鈥淲e Christians are called to be sowers of peace and builders of fraternity, not nursing past grudges and regrets, not shirking the responsibilities of the present, but looking instead with hope to the future鈥�. We believe that God has shown us but one way: the way of peace, he added.

Paraphrasing the poet Gibran, Pope Francis stressed 鈥渓et us recognize that there is no other way to come to the dawn than by passing through the night.  And in the night of crisis, all of us need to remain united鈥�.  Together, concluded the Pope, through honest dialogue and pure intentions, 鈥渨e can bring light where there is darkness鈥�.  Let us entrust every effort and commitment to Christ, the Prince of Peace, so that, as 鈥淢ay the night of conflicts recede before a new dawn of hope.  May hostilities cease, disagreements fade away, and Lebanon once more radiate the light of peace鈥�.