MANILA, Dec. 31, 2014 — Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos called on Filipinos to have a peaceful New Year, one marked by forgiveness and reconciliation.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos (Photo: Aurora Dumaliang Tamondong)
In a recent message, Santos, who also chairs the CBCP-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People, said peace is not just the absence of conflict.
“Peace is not just a ceremonial courtesy,” he said quoting St. Augustine’s De Civitate Dei. Santos clarified that peace simply means tranquility of order. He explained that peace takes place when “everything is in order, when there is harmony, and mutual understanding, when there is serenity.”
According to the prelate, peace “involves a call for reconciliation.” The prelate explained reconciliation with God is everyone’s peace as “reconciliation with our community is our road to peace.” He further said peace happens when people recognize what is morally and legally due others.
“Peace is maintained when we respect other people,” he added, emphasizing the need to say “yes to justice and no to oppression, yes to love and no to vengeance.”
Santos also wished everyone a prosperous New Year, saying, “God desires that everyone enjoy the fullness of life as “God is always generous as He gives in abundance.”
He rallied the people to harness potentials and maximize talents. For one to be prosperous, “we must face our days with enthusiasm, fulfill (our) given tasks with competence and treat people with constant courtesy and compassion.”
He likewise exhorted the faithful to be prayerful during the New Year. Santos said peace and prosperity will not be possible without prayers. “Our prayers are the manifestations of our trust in God,” he explained. (Melo M. Acuna/CBCPNews)
