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INTENTION : |
For mutual coexistence.
Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.
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FOCUS
In the face of the various threats and fears spreading in our societies, fuelled by the temptation of conflict over ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons, our Holy Father has dedicated the month of August, and continued to urge prayers for Christians living in conflict contexts, for collaboration between different religious traditions, and for peaceful coexistence.
In "Fratelli Tutti," we are reminded that universal fraternity is the antidote to conflict: we are brothers and sisters, called to live in a fraternity that transcends borders and differences. Pope Leo XVI appeals to use responsibility and reason for humanity. The importance of dialogue as a means to understand differences and find common ground is reiterated. Through dialogue, it is possible to address the fears and prejudices that often lie at the root of conflicts, promoting more harmonious coexistence. The value of dialogue is in overcoming divisions. Against the construction of physical or metaphorical walls that separate people, we are invited to build bridges that facilitate encounter and mutual understanding, overcoming ethnic, political, religious, or ideological divisions.
As indicated in the January 2024 intention, education that fosters a culture of peace and respect for diversity is essential. Education that prepares the new generations to be citizens committed to building more just and fraternal societies, capable of dialoguing and working together despite differences. Societies must strive to eliminate inequalities and ensure that all members have access to basic opportunities and rights, as an essential step towards overcoming conflict and promoting peace. Each of us can contribute to more harmonious coexistence in our own communities, inspired by Pope Leo's call to responsibility and reason.
ATTITUDES FOR DAILY LIFE
1. Promoting peaceful coexistence
"Do not lose heart in striving to build unity... and, despite obstacles, differences, and different approaches to achieving peaceful coexistence, persist in the struggle to foster a culture of encounter, which demands placing at the centre... the human person, their highest dignity, and respect for the common good."
When you choose or decide, do you consider others? In seeking what is good for you, do you also consider the well-being of everyone? May a spirit of fraternity, peace, and encounter with those around you be always present in your searches and endeavours.
2. Addressing fears and prejudices
"Fear deprives us ... of the desire and the ability to encounter the other.... let us give our capacity to love a universal dimension capable of transcending all prejudices, all historical or cultural barriers, all petty interests."
Think about your prejudices and fears when it comes to relating to those who are not in your circle. Entrust them into the hands of Jesus, and ask for His universal Love to overcome every barrier with those who are children of the same Father as you.
3. Dialoguing and working together
"Approaching, speaking, listening, looking at each other, getting to know each other, trying to understand each other, seeking points of contact, all of this can be summed up in the word 'dialogue'. To meet and help one another, we need to dialogue."
Do you put yourself in the other person's shoes to understand their motivations? Do you listen in order to understand others and not just to respond? Respect will allow you to move forward in working together for common interests.
4. Valuing differences
"We need to communicate with each other, to discover the riches of each person, to value what unites us, and to see our differences as opportunities for growth in mutual respect."
Do you see the differences with others as an opportunity? Is there something you should change to better take advantage of the richness hidden in diversity? Remember that others always have something unique to contribute.
5. Building bridges
"To speak of a 'culture of encounter' means that, as a people, we are passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning something that includes everyone."
Seek consensus, open paths where intolerance destroys bridges, foster the good in every reality you participate in, always try to find common ground.
WORDS OF POPE LEO XIV
Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love! The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today: If this criterion "were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return?" ( Rerum Novarum, 20). (Homily on The Beginning of Pope Leo XIV's Pontificate)
MONTHLY PRAYER
Jesus Christ, Lord of time and space, faithful friend, companion on our journey,
cornerstone, beginning and end of our lives... We are your friends in need of your tenderness; we have lost the security, peace, and brotherly harmony among us.
We suffer from believing we are in the world as only children.
We have become prisoners of the walls we have built.
Once again, we ask you, "send your Spirit," to renew in us the "sense of togetherness," the spark that can ignite once more
the light to halt the night of conflicts.
Give us courage, so that to the logic of conflict we may oppose the sign of fraternity.
Father, peace needs fraternity and fraternity needs encounter.
Therefore, we ask you today for the grace to build bridges in a world that builds walls,
to go beyond the limits ofbonds that recognize only what is similar;
opening ourselves to a world of brothers and sisters equal in dignity, walking a common path.
Amen.
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