Episode Transcript
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Hi, I’m Fr Fadi Salame
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and I’m here today to pray with you
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Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention
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for the month of December.
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Which is for Christians in areas of conflict.
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Pope Francis said,
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“Let us pray that Christians living in areas
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of war or conflict,
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especially in the Middle East,
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might be seeds of peace,
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reconciliation and hope.”
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Living as Christians in the Middle East
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is both a gift and a calling.
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Our land has known the footsteps of Christ,
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the voice of the prophets,
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and the birth of the Church,
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yet it is also a land marked by pain,
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division, and conflict.
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In the midst of this reality,
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we are called to be seeds of peace
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when we refuse to allow hatred
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or revenge to take root in our hearts.
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True peace begins within us.
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When we choose forgiveness over bitterness,
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dialogue over division,
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and love over fear.
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We become seeds of reconciliation
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when we build bridges instead of walls,
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when we reach out to our neighbour,
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regardless of their religion or background,
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and see in them the image of God.
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And we become seeds of hope
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when we continue to believe that God’s light
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can still shine even in the darkest times.
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As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
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we are called to keep our hearts open and our hands
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ready to serve.
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We may not change the world overnight,
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but like seeds planted in good soil,
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our witness, our faith, forgiveness,
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and perseverance will one day bear fruit.
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And so, we pray.
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Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace,
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we lift up our brothers and sisters
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who live in places torn by violence and war.
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Surround them with Your protection,
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fill their hearts with courage,
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and sustain their hope amid suffering.
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Grant them the strength
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to remain faithful witnesses of Your love,
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even when surrounded by hatred.
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Touch the hearts of those who sow division,
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that peace may take root and grow.
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May Your Church be a light in the darkness,
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a refuge for the weary,
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and a voice for justice and reconciliation.
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We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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Amen.
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In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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Amen.
