The Monday Edition


The Evangelical Pope | Let Us Embrace One Another

January 27, 2025

Living Words from John Paul II

Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen

 

Published Sunday, 26 January 2025


African Renaissance Monument, Dakar, Senegal

 

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.

 


               Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you …

               __ James 4: 10 (New International Version)

 


Dakar, Senegal – 21 February 1992 | In this remarkable age of shrinking distances and instant information flow, it is disheartening to realize that significant gaps remain between individuals. A painful disparity exists between their aspirations for a better life and the vital resources necessary for education and healthcare.

 

We must not ignore the stark differences between the enjoyment of freedom and the unequal acknowledgment of human dignity experienced by many. As our global community becomes more connected, it is a significant weight on our brothers and sisters labeled as “foreigners,” “refugees,” or “immigrants.” Instead, let us embrace one another!

 

The Earth generously provides us with extraordinary gifts and resources, inspiring us to reflect on their value. Remember Christ’s words:

 

               “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12: 34).

 

We are blessed with so many treasures—don’t you think it’s worth sharing them? Let’s not forget that these resources are meant to benefit everyone, creating a better world for all of us!

 

This is an ideal time for us to acknowledge our duties. Let’s work together to uplift one another and utilize our distinct talents, along with our spiritual and material resources, to foster peace, justice, and the well-being of all, treating each individual as a cherished brother or sister!

 

Excerpted from:

 

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO SENEGAL, THE GAMBIA AND GUINEA (FEBRUARY 19 – 26, 1992) ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS* Friday, 21 février 1992

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1992/february/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19920221_corpo-diplomatico.html