Pastoral MESSAGE “The BIBLE WEEK”

December 1985

“May God’s grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love” (Eph 6:24). I am so glad to know that this year's Bible Week has its theme the fourth commandment. The Apostle Saint Paul singled it out as “the first commandment that has a promise added: ‘so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land’ ” (Eph 6:2).

Mutual respect, awareness of shared destiny and partnership in prayer have been asked by the Apostle Saint Peter from parents when he exhorted the husbands: “Treat them with respect, because they also will receive together with you, God’s gift of life. Do this so that nothing will interfere with your prayers” (1 Pt 3:7). I believe that the concern for eternal salva-tion articulated through daily family prayer can realize in eve-ry home the adherence of children to the fourth commandment.

My prayerful wish is that the Bible Week may bring forth God’s peace and joy in every family towards the permanence of the blessings of Christmas in every home. May Mary’s attentiveness and the shepherds’ receptivity to the divine presence in human family motivate everyone to keep the peace of Christmas in every home: “Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen” (Lk 2:19-20).

A Blessed Christmas and Prosperous New Year to all!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

(Sgd.) + JAIME L. CARDINAL SIN, D.D.

                                      Archbishop of Manila