Prayer is the most fundamental act of peace-building, says Manila archbishop

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula expresses solidarity with the victims of Typhoon Odette, those afflicted with COVID-19, the victims of violence and armed conflict, as he encouraged the faithful to prayer, which is the "fundamental act of peace-building."

"As we cross over towards the new calendar year, we also celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, as well as the World Day of Prayer for Peace. We continue to be in solidarity with those who continue to suffer due to the pandemic and those severely affected by typhoon Odette, along with the victims of violence and armed conflicts in Myanmar and all over the world," said Cardinal in his homily delivered at the Manila Cathedral on Friday evening.

"We beg the Lord for the grace of peace. Peace or shalom does not only mean tranquility or absence of conflict; rather it refers to the totality of wellness, the fullness of life’s blessings. Ang tunay na kapayapaan ay ang ganap na kabutihan at kaunlaran ng buong tao at ng lahat ng tao (True peace is the goodness and progress of the person and of all the people)," he added.

The prelate also acknowledged the work of the people who extended help to the victims of the most powerful typhoon that hit the country this year, those afflicted with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and those who work tirelessly for the country and their family.

"Thanks be to God for people who help build a culture of care. They are signs of peace for this world," he said.

He also encouraged the faithful to continue to pray as Mary, the Mother of Jesus prayed too.

"Mary named her son “Jesus.” This was not only a sign of her obedience to the angel’s bidding that her son be given the name “Jesus”; this was also her act of prayer for Israel and for all humankind. The name “Jesus,” “Yeshua” in Hebrew and Aramaic, is usually translated as a declarative sentence: “God saves.” But it can also be translated as a prayer: “Lord, help!” “God, save us!” “Panginoon, saklolo po! (Lord, help us)” “O Diyos, tulungan niyo po kami! (Oh God, help us)” Yes, the name that the Blessed Mother gave to our Prince of Peace is a prayer, an ardent plea for divine assistance to intervene in our world," he said.

"Prayer is the most fundamental act of peace-building. Peace can only come from God. It cannot be produced by mere human achievement," he also said. -- BAP, GMA News