Make peace with enemies, Tagle urges faithful
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle yesterday told the Catholic faithful not to let Christmas pass without reconciling with their enemies.
In an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas during which he gave his Christmas message, Tagle expressed hope that the birth of the peacemaker, Jesus Christ, would put an end to fighting among people or at least remind them to set their differences aside.
Tagle reminded the faithful that the real essence of Christmas is to promote life and peace in the country.
“The Bible teaches that the coming of Jesus Christ should bring about reconciliation between those who have hurt each other. Christmas should not only be about singing Christmas carols and shopping… It should mark the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah that misunderstandings would be healed; and that weapons of wars and fighting would be set aside. They should instead promote life. Life and peace should be valued,” Tagle said.
He urged the faithful to be instruments in unifying people and not be a reason for division.
Tagle, who also heads the Caritas Internationalis, further encouraged the people to do good to others this Christmastime, especially to the residents of Marawi City, many of whom are living in evacuation centers because their homes were destroyed during the five-month fighting between government troops and the Maute terrorist group.
He said the Filipino people, regardless of their religion, should extend help to others.
“I am hoping that from the violence, there would be reconciliation. Our brothers, whether they are Muslims or Christians, they are our brothers from another religion… Let us join hands in doing good for each other because that is the meaning of Jesus, who was born in a manger,” the Manila prelate added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) national director Noel Pantoja said those who are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with fears of what lies ahead for them in the future should turn to God who is the source of light and hope.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also remember many people facing fears and dangers, seeing that the future is bleak, dark and hopeless in the face of financial troubles, personal concerns, family problems and challenging situations,” Pantoja said.
“We are reminded to look up to God as our source of light and hope. As we gather in homes and in our communities, let us take time to strengthen each other in prayers, reading of God’s word and lighting up each other’s heart through encouraging words and messages of hope,” he added.
As a nation, people should continue to hold on to God even if they feel the threats of terrorism, conflict, political uncertainties, various calamities and economic problems.