Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope calls on the faithful to mobilize the power of prayer

Manila Bulletin Online
Sunday, October 26, 2008

HIS Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, recently called on the faithful to mobilize the power of prayer to continue the struggle against evil and every form of violence. Inasmuch as we cannot truly hope to expunge these elements from the surface of the earth, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, in his now recognizable mellow but direct manner of leading the flock, basically repeated what his predecessor, the late Pope John Paul II, said almost two decades ago.

Around the world, conflicts among nations and among ethnic groups, a great deal of destruction is caused by syndicates that are well networked within and beyond national boundaries. These syndicates thrive for a number of reasons. First, as they are so intricately structured, the syndicates exact obedience and loyalty from their members, a predisposition that is normally sustained because of the spoils that the system produces, though not necessarily evenly distributed.

The biggest casualties of syndicates are the people whose lives have been wasted, maimed, or extinguished outright by the operations of these syndicates. As these operate and maintain themselves through the exercise of force, they spawn a vicious cycle, every ruthless act answered by an equally merciless act.

This cycle must end. It is truly lamentable that syndicates have produced fear in the hearts of the public that reside in areas within their control. To stop this cycle, it is important for governments to take action and for the public to be mindful of their share to stop the nefarious acts of these syndicates.

As we live in a world with individuals who have fallen from the grace of God and who taunt the Almighty in wicked ways, in praying to end evil and all forms of violence, those who have yet to be swallowed by evil can be insulated from it through sincere prayer.

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:07 AM