Associate Verónica Rivadeneira, Co-Minister for Associates
In the name of the peoples who have lost security, peace and common coexistence, being victims of destruction, ruin and war. In the name of human brother/sisterhood that embraces all people, unites them and makes them equal. May our hearts be open to all the peoples and nations of the earth, to recognize the goodness and beauty that you have sown in each one, to strengthen bonds of unity, of common projects, of shared hopes. Amen. [Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti]
Jesus was born as a baby in a small village, in less than favorable security conditions.
He was born not only for the joy of his closest relatives. Jesus was born as good news, as controversial news, bringing the surprising command to “love our enemies” and to pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:43-45)
If we can ever imagine a vision of nonviolence, an ideal of unarmed justice, it is in Jesus who is born and who stirs up universal compassion and forgiveness.
The unconditional Baby Jesus reveals the possibility of entering a new path of behavior and action. And Christmas is repeated again this year, making his message of Love more necessary than ever before.
Let us decide to be radical and to love our enemies and pray for them without fear of the consequences. Let us decide to be vulnerable and do what is ours to do: not to hate, not to kill, not to divide or marginalize others. May Baby Jesus invite us to embrace everyone, in this nonviolent Love he offers.
May we all follow this command: let us restore and be kind and courageous peacemakers. May we dare to believe that peace is possible. Merry Christmas!
