P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That the Christians of the Middle East may live their faith in full freedom and be an instrument of peace and reconciliation.
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Christians in the Middle East are immersed in a society composed of a majority of believers from other religions. Daily news from this region shows a growth of alarming situations, seemingly with no possible escape. The conflicts in this region force millions of Christians to emigrate in search of better prospects. The reducing Christian population in the countries of the Middle East alludes to unimaginable suffering, injustices, violence, religious intolerance and persecution.
We should not be spending our time asking who has suffered the most. Instead we can make a positive contribution by listening to one other and being intent on understanding someone else's situation. Patient and humble dialogue has borne positive results in many countries previously devastated by violence and revenge. Suffering affects everyone, and when one person suffers we should first of all wish to understand how much someone else in a similar situation suffers. A little more trust in the compassion of others, especially those suffering, cannot but bear efficacious results.
We pray that Catholic communities there be aware of the powerful force which comes from suffering accepted in love. Such suffering can change the hearts of others and the heart of the world. We pray that Catholics there may live their faith with perseverance, comforted by the knowledge of the "price" with which Christ has redeemed us.
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