September 30, 1992

Peace is what we need; peace is what the world needs. And yet it seems so difficult to achieve. In a world where the deepest desire of men is for peace, intrigues, rivalries, clashes, and wars are everyday realities. Because of these, true reconciliation seems to be an unattainable dream.

Peace is more than just the absence of war: it is the fruit of the right ordering of things with which the Divine Founder has invested human society. It must be actualized by man thirsting for an ever more perfect reign of justice. And while the common good of mankind ultimately comes from the eternal law, it depends in the concrete upon the circumstances which change as time goes on. Peace is never fully achieved; it is a journey we must all embark upon.

Peace cannot be obtained unless the rights of everyone are safeguarded and people freely and trustingly share with one another the riches of their minds and their talents. A firm determination to respect the dignity of each other, along with the practice of fraternal love are absolutely necessary for the achievement of peace. Peace is also the fruit of love, for love goes beyond what justice can ensure.

Peace on earth symbolizes and derives from peace of Christ who proceeds from God the Father. Therefore, all Christians are to join with all peace-loving men in praying for justice and trying to bring it about. The world will not succeed in achieving peace and unity unless everyone devotes himself to the cause of true peace. Yes, peace negotiators have an important part to play in peacemaking, but so do all of us. The gospel tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mk 5:5). We all need to be instruments, persons of peace. Think of the influence of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta in moving men towards peace.

The way to peace is long, rough and winding.

The sacrifice it asks of us is just to great.

But, no matter what, we shall walk toward it;

and walk toward it we will... together...

for someone will guide us:

the dawn from on high,

the Prince of Peace.

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

Archbishop of Manila

October 18, 1992