Attractive cities beneath the glittering facade have social unrest, conflict between city dwellers and immigrants and even domestic violence that possesses its life. We can be tempted by the outward attractiveness and glamour forgetting that it is what is inside the city that really matters. Those who follow our Lord can also get caught up in the fear, confusion and insecurity that one feel in the wake of difficulties. So when it is time to leave our attachments behind, it is often hard to cut off ties from the sinful situations that linger in us.

The legislations to protect family life are slowly weakened in many nations. A competitive market economy and its pressure on family leads to increased physical and psychological violence in inter personal relationships. An honest assessment would reveal an ever growing emptiness creeping within when we chase empty dreams. Grace of God (Rom 5:20) is so near to those who are ready to flee away and to get back where one actually belongs. What we ever need is to awake in us Jesus' Merciful love and with all our heart return home. That alone can still the raging unrest within and enable us to face challenges.