Trying times call for heroism and active participation. Trying times show forth the greatness and selflessness in men and women of good will. And it is in these trying times that we must act together and work for the common good. I believe it is not coincidental that all of these things are happening in our country during the Jubilee Year. The Holy Year is both a moment of purification, conversion and liberation. The crisis we experience is meant to purify us, to make us examine ourselves as to where we have gone wrong. Moreover, the present events goad us to come together as a faith community to profess, uphold and promote the gospel values of Jesus Christ. Now, more than ever are we called to live out and proclaim truthfulness, justice and righteousness. This is the essential step to conversion.
Finally, the Jubilee Year is a moment of liberation. Genuine liberation is possible only through peace. And peace is not just absence of conflict. Peace is cultivating joy in the midst of trials. Peace is offering reconciliation in the midst of adversities. Peace is promoting true progress and equality. And this is the peace we want for our country as a whole. This Jubilee Year, we are called to be peacemakers and the situation we find ourselves in is a potent avenue to work for peace. Thus, echoing the call of the Holy Father, let us build a civilization of life and love even if challenges seem insurmountable.
The Jubilee is not yet finished. And I believe that after purification and conversion, we will finally experience liberation. I am hopeful that our country will be great again. Our country will heed the distinctive role to become a true Chrisian country. And this outcome depends on us. And this is the same call and challenge I offer to you, members of the Rotary Club of Manila. You also have an important role to perform for the good of our society.
And so as we face the new millennium, as we face an incomparable national crisis, let us pray and work together. Let us hold aloft the values of Jesus Christ. Let us cling to the hope that he offers.
May the Lord of righteousness hear our prayers for the new year!
Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, D.D.
Archbishop of Manila
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