Pope’s mission intention for February

February 01, 2013 - The missionary prayer intention of Pope Benedict XVI during the month of February is for peace - that the people at war and in conflict may lead the way in building a peaceful future. Yes, it seems impossible. How can we expect people at war, first of all to set aside their conflicts and then be peacemakers themselves? Normally it the third parties who bring the warring sides to negotiate for peace. However, what is impossible for weak humans, is possible for God, as Christ Himself said and did. For to come about, a radical change in the heart is a pre-condition. Christ’s response to hatred and violence is goodness and love. He reversed the ancient practice of “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth,’ saying “Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” And again he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” And dying on the Cross, he did exactly that - “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Part of the reason behind the world’s conflicts is that God has been banished from the human heart. Prayer puts us in touch with the Father who created us to be a family of loving children. Only prayer can lead to conversion of heart and to peace. Let us therefore join the Holy Father this month, in offering our prayers and sacrifices for the conversion of all those who are at war and in conflict, so that precious human resources may not be wasted in weapons but for development.