Hope on the Horizon
Fr Anthony Charanghat
Pope Benedict XVI in his 45th World Day of Peace message for 2012 titled “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace”, considers youth as key to being our hope on the horizon in our quest for peace, despite “shadows of intolerance, conflict and violence hanging over humanity today.” To the young, who are noted for their strong attachment to ideals, the Sovereign Pontiff extends a particular invitation to be patient and persevering in seeking justice and peace.
Peace, according to the Pope however, is not merely a gift to be received: it is also a task to be undertaken. In order to be true peacemakers, he underlines that we must educate ourselves in compassion, solidarity… in being active within the community and concerned to raise awareness about national and international issues, and the importance of seeking adequate mechanisms for the redistribution of wealth.
In his peace message, the Pope urges parents, families, educators and all people in leadership positions - politicians and media personnel to communicate to young people an appreciation for the positive value of life so as to awaken in them a desire to spend their lives in the service of the good of all. The Holy Father insists that in order “to inspire youth to move beyond themselves, educators need to be witnesses capable of having a broader and holistic vision of life.”
Benedict XVI urges young people to learn the importance and the art of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue and understanding. He is convinced that true education in peace and justice must take place in the family and educational institutions. Parents and teachers are the first to inculcate human values such as respect and appreciation for the dignity of the human person in young people that will turn them into instruments of peace.
Pope Benedict explains that peace for all is the fruit of justice for all, and no one can shirk this essential task of promoting justice, according to one’s particular areas of competence and responsibility. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practise of fraternity.
Appealing to young people of our age, he addresses them saying, “You are a precious gift for society. Do not yield to discouragement in the face of difficulties and do not abandon yourselves to false solutions, which often seem the easiest way to overcome problems. Do not be afraid to make a commitment, to face hard work and sacrifice, to choose the paths that demand fidelity and constancy, humility and dedication”.
The Pope praises youth today for being an example and an inspiration to adults, in their relentless struggle to overcome injustice and corruption and honest effort to build a better future. They must become fully aware of their potential and never become self-centred, but work for a brighter future for all. He places the responsibility upon parents and Church leaders to encourage children, by the example of their lives, to put their hope before all else in God, the one source of authentic justice and peace.
Pope Benedict concludes his message saying, “Let us look with greater hope to the future; let us encourage one another on our journey; let us work together to give our world a more humane and fraternal face; and let us feel a common responsibility towards present and future generations, especially in the task of being people of peace and builders of peace.”
