The international community and Arab nations must "propose
workable solutions respecting the dignity, the rights and the religion of every
human person" and "cease to see in the other an evil to be eliminated."
In the last day
of his visit to Lebanon, Benedict XVI celebrated the only open air Mass of his
trip.
At Beirut's City Center Waterfront, Catholic communities from across the
Middle East were represented by 300 bishops who have come for the publication
of the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation 'Ecclesia in Medio Oriente'.
At the
end of the Mass, the pope "handed" them the document.
Lebanon's
president, Michel Sleiman, a Maronite Catholic according to the country's complex
constitution, was present along with a huge crowd of perhaps 400,000 in front
of the sea.
In his
greetings, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi expressed hope for a
Christian "spring."
As worshippers prayed,
the word "peace" echoed on several occasions. In fact, the presence of few
soldiers from the United Nations military force was a reminder that this
country has not yet signed a peace treaty with Israel, whilst Damascus lies
only 90 kilometres away.
Benedict XVI's
homily also touched on peace.
In it, the Holy Father called on Christians to do
everything in their power to achieve it.
In the Angelus, the
Holy Father appealed to the international community, especially Arab nations,
to reach peace in Syria and "neighbouring countries." Although not mentioned,
they clearly refer to Israel, Iraq and of course Lebanon.
"You," he
said, "know all too well the tragedy of the conflicts and the violence which
generates so much suffering. Sadly, the din of weapons continues to make itself
heard, along with the cry of the widow and the orphan. Violence and hatred
invade people's lives, and the first victims are women and children. Why so
much horror? Why so many dead? I appeal to the international community! I
appeal to the Arab countries that, as brothers, they might propose workable
solutions respecting the dignity, the rights and the religion of every human
person! Those who wish to build peace must cease to see in the other an evil to
be eliminated. It is not easy to see in the other a person to be respected and
loved, and yet this is necessary if peace is to be built, if fraternity is
desired (cf 1 Jn 3:8-12). May God
grant to your country, to Syria and to the Middle East the gift of peaceful
hearts, the silencing of weapons and the cessation of all violence! May men
understand that they are all brothers! Mary, our Mother, understands our
concern and our needs. Together with the Patriarchs and Bishops present, I
place the Middle East under her maternal protection (cf. Propositio 44). May we, with God's help, be converted so as to work
ardently to establish the peace that is necessary for harmonious coexistence
among brothers, whatever their origins and religious convictions."
Earlier, during
the Mass, the pontiff said we must become "servants of peace and
reconciliation, so that all people can live in peace and with dignity. This is
an essential testimony which Christians must render here, in cooperation with
all people of good will."
In commenting the
passage in the Gospel in which Jesus asks his disciples, ""Who do men say
that I am?" Benedict XVI said, "They give very different answers: John the
Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets! Today, as down the centuries, those who
encounter Jesus along their own way give their own answers. These are
approaches, which can be helpful in finding the way to truth. But while not
necessarily false, they remain insufficient, for they do not go to the heart of
who Jesus is."
As Peter said,
he is the messiah, but "a Messiah who suffers, a Messiah who serves, and
not some triumphant political saviour. He is the Servant who obeys his Father's
will, even to giving up his life. This had already been foretold by the prophet
Isaiah in today's first reading. Jesus thus contradicts the expectations of
many. What he says is shocking and disturbing. We can understand the reaction
of Peter who rebukes him, refusing to accept that his Master should suffer and
die! Jesus is stern with Peter; he makes him realize that anyone who would be
his disciple must become a servant, just as he became Servant."
"Following Jesus
means taking up one's cross and walking in his footsteps, along a difficult
path which leads not to earthly power or glory but, if necessary, to
self-abandonment, to losing one's life for Christ and the Gospel in order to
save it. We are assured that this is the way to the resurrection, to true and
definitive life with God. Choosing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ,
who made himself the Servant of all, requires drawing ever closer to him,
attentively listening to his word and drawing from it the inspiration for all
that we do. In promulgating the Year of Faith, which is due to begin next 11
October, I wanted each member of the faithful to renew his or her commitment to
undertaking this path of sincere conversion."
Speaking again
about today's readings, the pope noted, "Saint James tells us to what extent
our walking in the footsteps of Jesus, if it is to be authentic, demands
concrete actions. 'I, by my works, will show you my faith' (Jas 2:18). It is an imperative task of
the Church to serve and of Christians to be true servants in the image of
Jesus. Service is a foundational element of the identity of Christ's followers
(cf. Jn 13:15-17). The vocation of
the Church and of each Christian is to serve others, as the Lord himself did,
freely and impartially. Consequently, in a world where violence constantly
leaves behind its grim trail of death and destruction, to serve justice and
peace is urgently necessary for building a fraternal society, for building
fellowship! Dear brothers and sisters, I pray in particular that the Lord will
grant to this region of the Middle East servants of peace and reconciliation,
so that all people can live in peace and with dignity. This is an essential
testimony, which Christians must render here, in cooperation with all people of
good will. I appeal to all of you to be peacemakers, wherever you find
yourselves."
In concluding,
the pope said, "May God bless Lebanon; may he bless all the peoples of this
beloved region of the Middle East, and may he grant them the gift of his peace."