«The word peace was the most important topic in our lives in this year. Who should be the first to respond to the human desire for peace, full-blown peace with God’s orders, grounded with love and justice? We Christians are called to be the first peacebuilders in this world.» This is what Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-Jung, Archbishop of Seoul, said in the message sent to his community for Christmas, reported Fides News Agency.
«As Pope Francis has always stressed we should keep mercy in our minds which enables endless forgiveness and unconditional sharing. We, above all, should start from prayers. True peace is God’s gift which we can receive only when we ask for through prayers. Thus, let’s keep devoting our prayers to peace on the Korean Peninsula,» the Cardinal wrote.
The Cardinal recalled the recent peaceful developments registered in the Korean peninsula in 2018 and thanked Pope Francis who, «in every critical moment, prayed for peace on the Korean Peninsula». Referring to «Pacem in Terris», Pope John XXIII’s encyclical in 1963, Card. Yeom stresses that «a peaceful world order can be built on the basis of truth, justice, love, and solidarity.
«However, the road to peace is long and tough. We, the faithful, should keep patience and continue praying while doing our best in our everyday lives. We, by becoming those on whom his favor rests, finally can achieve peace which Christ promised.»
Recalling the mystery of Incarnation and the love of God for humanity, which is reflected in the passion of Christ, the Son of God, who became man to give everyone salvation and consolation, Card. Yeom blessed «the brothers and sisters in North Korea,» saying: «I hope that Christmas can be a new hope and light for brothers and sisters of North Korea, which can bring a big consolation for the hardship they experience.»
