Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated New Year's Day with a homily on world peace which stressed the importance of educating youth in moral values, so they could become "builders of peace." Sharing our morals and values is so very important today. Considering Benedict's childhood surrounded by a world of hate and fear, he knows all too well the results of a society which is not based in the ways of justice and peace. Benedict XVI, like his predecessor, see the best hope for a better world in the youth. Benedict would also like to see them move beyond following rules for rules sake and discover the depth of a Christ-centered lifestyle.
Even the readings this past weekend whereas we hear that Mary pondered and reflected on the 'God event' that were occurring around her, strengthened and encouraged her faith. Benedict's challenge to the world this past New Years is to envision peace in our world. And to be sure that vision begins in the hearts and minds of faithful people. Peace-making cannot be limited to easy solutions, nor simply a seasonal thing whereas we feel good about each other around the high Holy Days.
Speaking with one of Funeral Directors yesterday, we were musing about the lack of respect, and the disregard of basic values which we find today. In today's society there is a lack of understanding that when each of us goes off on our own we end up in chaos and brokenness. Morals and values teach us that we are in a community, and all of our responses should be for the benefit of the community in which we live. Peace-making leads us to understand that we are responsible for each other and the world in which we live.
Hopefully we can begin to enlighten each other with what is true, right, and good. John the Baptist points out Jesus today to his followers. As children of God we have to point out Christ, and be confidant and unafraid to share our Christ stories. Hopefully our faithful living can lead one another towards the Christ that saves us.
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