(An Advent message for the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2023)
We gather here on the first Sunday of Advent, a time of joyful anticipation and preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today's Gospel reading from the Book of Mark (Mk. 13: 33-37) gives us important lessons about vigilance and being prepared. Jesus said, "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come."
As we reflect on this message, we also find ourselves in the midst of the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace which started on November 30 and ends on December 6. Let us take this opportunity to be reminded of our Christian commitment in building a culture of dialogue among the diversity of cultures in Mindanao and, particularly to us, in the province of Lanao del Norte. We ardently pray for peace especially as we witness with anxiety the rise of violence and conflicts in the world today. This week serves as a call for vigilance in actively praying and working for peace through harmony and acts of solidarity.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about being vigilant, always ready for the coming of the Son of Man: "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come." But vigilance must go beyond watching for the second coming of Christ. Vigilance applies to the challenges of our everyday lives, and extends to our relationships and interactions with others. Vigilance means being present and engaged with those around us, and being watchful for the presence of Christ among us every day.
The celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace calls us to be vigilant for peace—vigilant in guarding the culture of dialogue which we have endeavored for many years already. Let us not allow misunderstandings, hateful sentiments, and forms of conflicts from within and from the different parts of the world to weaken our commitment to live in harmonious co-existence as children of God. This week of peace invites us to strengthen even more our continuing commitment of building the culture of dialogue whereby we actively seek to understand one another, to respect and embrace the richness of diversity, and to foster unity amidst our differences. Let us dearly hold our conviction that this culture of dialogue is an antidote to the conflicts and violence that plague our world today.
Dialogue requires humility, openness, and a genuine desire to listen. It is only when we truly listen to one another that we can bridge the gaps that divide us. It is through dialogue that we can find common ground, build relationships, and work towards genuine peace.
As we light the first Advent candle, let it remind us of the light of Christ that shines in our lives, illuminating the path towards peace. Let it also remind us of our shared responsibility to be watchful and vigilant, not just for Christ's second coming but also for everyday opportunities to build peace and foster dialogue in our communities.
May this Advent season be a time of deep reflection and renewal for each one of us. Let us commit ourselves to be agents of peace, builders of dialogue, and true witnesses of solidarity. May we work tirelessly to create a world that celebrates diversity, welcomes harmonious co-existence, and rejects violence and war. In doing so, we become living examples of God's love and mercy, living in peace together as His beloved children.
As we journey through this season of Advent and continue to celebrate the Mindanao Week of Peace, let us remember Jesus' words: "What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" Together, through our collective vigilance and commitment, may our beloved Mindanao truly grow in peace and harmony.
May God bless you all abundantly in this Advent season, and may you anticipate the coming of our Lord as you allow His peace and love to dwell in your hearts now and forever.
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