Pope Francis has asked the world community to join him in a day of prayer and fasting today. The United States wrestles with a military response against Syria, for atrocities committed there. In this area of the world war and violence seem to be a normal part of daily life. One again Pope Francis, like so many voices before him has implored the interested parties to discover peaceful and healing solutions to their problems and disagreements.
In a statement issued earlier in the week, The Holy Father reminds us that "peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected" and that "all men and women of good will are bound by the task of pursuing peace." To be sure the sacred scriptures implore people of faith to become peacemakers, using their gifts and talents to advance humanity, extending mercy and reconciliation. The celebration of the Incarnation has strong themes of peace and salvation. The Prince of Peace comes into our lives that we might understand the sacredness of humanity and move away from violence and destruction.
In the olden days there were occasionally posters plastered about which stated, "If you want peace, work for justice." Prophetic men and women have shown us that poverty, violence, neglect, abuse, and oppression, only lead to more and more horrific acts in our world. In this the "culture of death," when we become used to the terrible disregard of human life and dignity, we begin to allow it in all sorts of forms.
So today we are asked to be fasting and to engage in prayer. That might means the rosary, praying the psalter, adoration of the Eucharist, or meditation on the Sacred Scripture. This can be done in the privacy of our room, or in the Church. It is important that we engage as a community in these actions, as a Body of Christ, that we might move hearts set on war and destruction, into the ways of peace.
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