ASIA/PAKISTAN - Archbishop Arshad: "God, make us an instrument of your peace in Pakistan"

Saturday, 22 December 2018 christmas   peace   violence   spirituality   human rights  

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - "In a world where darkness reigns, humanity desperately needs the light of peace and hope. The world continues to suffer from cruel acts of terrorism, senseless crimes, violence and brutality. Bombardment, seizures and attacks continue to occur in different parts of the world and even in our land. Therefore, there is an urgent need for peace and hope in God who forgives us for our failures. At Christmas, we celebrate the gift of God to us of His son, Jesus. We Christians must bring this good news of the gift of God, to the world": this is how Archbishop Joseph Arshad, at the head of the diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, expresses himself in his Christmas message, sent to all the faithful.
"All of us - observes the message sent by the Archbishop to Agenzia Fides - experience situations where we can easily be overwhelmed by the darkness and evil in our world and in our personal lives. But the birth of an innocent child in a small, poor kingdom in the Roman Empire, two thousand years ago, gives us hope. When we invoke his name, Jesus, turns his eyes of compassion towards us. His presence gives us the ability not to be afraid. Jesus gives us comfort and challenges us to love one another".
"Christmas - he continues - reminds us that we have received the peace of Jesus as a gift, and we must give his peace to others as our gift to God. Christmas is a celebration of God's love, peace and hope for humanity, and invites us to enjoy the blessings of Christmas in our individual and family life". "We ask to be the messengers of the message of love, peace and hope in Pakistan and everywhere. During this Christmas season, as Pakistani faithful we make the ardent prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi our own: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love, where there is offense let me bring forgiveness, where there is doubt, instill faith, where there is despair, hope, where there is darkness, light, where there is sadness, joy". (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 22/12/2018)


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