Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - “May the virtues of hope, reconciliation, unconditional surrender, service to others, and fullness of life in Christ, which we reaffirm in these days, along with social advances...shine in spite of confrontation, division, intolerance, and infringements on human dignity that threaten the family in Bolivia.” This is the appeal being made by the Bolivian Bishops' Conference this Holy Week 2009, in a statement on the importance of Christian values today.
The Bishops mention that Holy Week is “a privileged opportunity for deepening in the meaning of our faith and better serving our brothers and our country.” It is also a time “that allows us to relive the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, events with messages that can always speak to our personal, family, and community life.”
They also recall that Holy Week is a call “to a coherent life.” “Believers are called to exercise their freedom and discernment in every event of their life.” They also remind the faithful that “Jesus did not come to change laws, but to give them fullness in love. “The democratic system and the state of right of a nation should guarantee the full use of fundamental rights and freedoms for individuals and social groups, and cannot be manipulated by particular visions in detriment to the common good.”
“The way of the Cross leads to life,” the message says. Thus, during this time “all the baptized are invited to place ourselves at the foot of the Cross, to receive the life that Jesus gives us and to respect, promote and cherish this gift.” Thus, “infringements on human dignity, fratricide, social insecurity, drug trafficking, murder, and all violence that leads to death is a grave offense to God, who loves life.” The message concludes with a call to reconciliation with the Lord, “showing sincere attitudes of listening to the other, understanding, dialogue, and mutual trust.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2009)
