Common Grounds


The Evangelical Pope | A Humane Future Before God

December 19, 2022

Living Words from John Paul II

Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen

 

Published Sunday, 18 December 2022


St. Mary's Basilica in Kevelaer

 

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love.

 

 

               33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
               __ Romans 15: 33

 

 

Kavelaer, Germany, 2 May 1987 | To reach peace in our world craved by all humanity requires more than political conferences, treaties, or détente policies, essential as they may be.

 

Above all, our troubled world needs the peace of Christ when people are willing to free themselves from sin. The most profound cause of all discord in the world is turning away from God. Those who do not live in peace with God can hardly live in harmony with their fellow human beings.

 

Our hope for the future of humanity demands prayer for peace. Here our human powerlessness connects with the omnipotence of God. Here our human wretchedness comes to the aid of God's mercy. (Ephesians 2: 17).

 

We are called peacemakers: overcoming injustice, renouncing the use of violence, and willingness to understand and forgive one another. In this way, everyone can make a decisive and very personal contribution to peace among people. Stand up for international understanding, for the gradual elimination of all weapons of mass destruction, and joint efforts by all peoples for peace and justice in the world.

 

Today we bring the request for peace among the peoples and a secure and humane future before God (Romans 15: 33).

 

Excerpted from (translated from German):


Apostolische Reise In Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, LOBPREIS PREDIGT VON JOHANNES PAUL II. «Hülsparkstadion» In Kevelaer - Samstag, 2. Mai 1987


https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/de/homilies/1987/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19870502_lodi-kevelaer.html