| Managua (Fides Service) - The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nicaragua has published its message for Christmas. In a “Message from the Bishops of Nicaragua on the occasion of Christmas”, dated 15 December, the Bishops take inspiration from Bible passages which announce the coming of the Son of God to exhort the people of Nicaragua to reflect and to have hope, because despite present unfavourable circumstances they will soon contemplate the light.
“Precisely times of crisis invite us to a personal encounter with the Lord and sincere conversion of heart”. In effect amidst insecurity and social uncertainty - the Bishops write -, there is an answer for simple hearts who listen to the voice which comes from above. Moreover, “to maintain peace it is necessary to be born of God and to withdraw from the world which distances us from good because the evil afflicting us is not only political and social, it is above all moral, since sin has invaded every ambient: politics, the family, etc”.
Evil afflicts us because our hearts are preoccupied with other things: envy, resentment, pride, hatred, slander, bad intentions, self interest etc. Emmanuel cannot be welcomed where there are worldly concerns and seduction of riches. Hence the need for an “examination of conscience, and personal and collective sincere recognition of the evil committed and the good we have failed to do, or stopped doing, so that all together we find the path to Jesus and are not lost on winding paths, seduced by mirages which make us think we are perfect so that we straighten the paths of others rather than our own”. Lastly the Message recalls “only Christ and his love can transform hearts and foster good desires of love, understanding and peace, and a sincere desire for reconciliation and unity. Only Christ illuminates minds and moves hearts to break down barriers of division”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2004, righe 22, parole 327)
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