With speculations of war circling in the media and across the world, the Holy Father’s monthly prayer intention is as timely as ever. Pope Francis’ intention for January 2020 is the Promotion of World Peace.
“We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.”
Wow. It’s a hope that we all share and can pray for together this month. The World Day of Peace is celebrated on New Year’s Day and each year, the pope gives a message to the world. This year, Pope Francis’ message focused on peace as a journey of hope, saying:
“Peace is a great and precious value, the object of our hope and the aspiration of the entire human family. As a human attitude, our hope for peace is marked by an existential tension that makes it possible for the present, with all its difficulties, to be ‘lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey’. Hope is thus the virtue that inspires us and keeps us moving forward, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.”
World Peace might seem to be an impossible ideal or a naïve goal. But it necessitates our understanding that we should step aside to let God be in control. “Love is peace. … When you think about Mary bringing Jesus into the world, Mary is bringing the fullness of peace into all of our lives and into the world. Unfortunately, as humans, we’re not able to respond fully to what God wants for us. And that’s part of our struggle on earth—being Church and helping each other with the grace of God,” explained John Feister of Glenmary Home Missioners on Morning Air®.
This January, join the universal Church in praying for all people to promote justice and peace in the world. In addition, work towards cultivating peace on a much smaller scale—in your own life or the life of your family. Look for ways to stop conflict and division and find extra time for the Prince of Peace.
Listen to the full Morning Air segment:
Tune in to Morning Air® weekdays at 6-9am ET / 3-6am PT only on Relevant Radio®.
