THE SPIRIT OF ASSISI
“I must bring them too, and they will listen to my voice.” – John 10:16
It was 1986. Eastern Europe was under the Soviet Union, with its
arsenal of nuclear weapons still targeting the West. Pope John Paul II,
in a landmark event, brought together 160 religious leaders from all
over the world with one common goal: to pray for peace.
For the first time in history, Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox
Christians, and representatives of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism,
Islam, African and North American animism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism
and Baha’i, convened in Assisi. According to the Pope, they were there
“to witness before the world, each according to his own conviction,
about the transcendent quality of peace.”
What an achievement! I love the Pope’s clear conviction that “peace
bears the name of Jesus Christ” and that the Catholic Church is the
first witness of faith in Him, yet still shows deep love and respect for
other religions. He believes that “every authentic prayer is called
forth by the Holy Spirit, who is mysteriously present in the heart of
every person.”
May we follow his example and respond to his message: “Let us continue
to spread the message of peace. Let us continue to live the spirit of
Assisi.” Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)
Reflection: “Every quest of the human spirit for truth and goodness, and in the last analysis, for God, is inspired by the Holy Spirit.” (Blessed Pope John Paul II)
Spirit of truth and love, guide us on the paths of proclaming Jesus Christ.
Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs, pray for us.
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