Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako
Resurrection and Peace
We celebrate these days the
Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which means His presence among us, by
having faith that He is with us always, not physically of course. A
glorified presence that makes us feel the existence of God in Him. This
closeness to God offers us a kind of life that is different from what we
used to, as if, we are in a presence of a lover with whom we interact
joyfully by living our brotherhood and solidarity. Reaching this point
of interactions means matching God’s design with the dreams of human
beings in terms of dignity, happiness and joy. The resurrection teaches
us that the love we carry in our hearts and live it passionately is what
changes everything. We have seen people and groups such as orphans,
widows, homeless and the elderlies, who were able to overcome their pain
because somebody felt their soreness, loved them, and gave them a hope.
When love fills our lives, just as it happened with Jesus, we become
daughters and sons of God. Aren’t we praying daily (our Father who art
in heaven …): “Everyone who loves, has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:
7-8). We can understood love and live it to the full, only when we love
each other, away from selfishness and personal interest. So,
resurrection means that God loves us as a father and we are in His
hands!
The question that Jesus asked
Martha in the event of her brother’s death (John 11/26) was: Do you
believe? The same question is directed to every one of us today in the
amidst of all our tragedies, so as to change our way of thinking,
dealing with life details: Do we believe in God, the Creator and Father
of all human beings and not for one specific group of people? Do we
believe that we are all brothers despite of our diversity, and that the
land is our mother? Do we have hope, patience and energy to be stronger
than strikes, insults, routine and frustration? Do we have the ability
to forgive and forget the past to open a new page with whom we disagree?
Do we understand properly God’s free and unlimited mercy toward all
human beings? Therefore, the message of resurrection this year is to do
good; be bridges for dialogue, reconciliation and peacemakers; and be a
gateway to grace and blessings. Let us listen to Jesus Christ, when he
called us to become peacemakers: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they
will be called children of God” (Matthew 5: 9).
Hope is the “Bread” of Life
Hope is the “Bread” of Life
Iraq, is the Cradle of
Civilization, country of fortune and glory, but has been transferred to a
country of disasters by the wicked, who came for killing and robbing.
As a result, Iraq lost its’ security, stability, wealth, as well as many
of its’ citizens, who have been humiliated. The Iraqi people seek;
security, stability; social, economic and cultural prosperity.
Therefore, these tragedies must not lead us to give up, despair and
frustration, but rather to look at these events by the eye of faith in
addition to historical and political way of analysis.
Suffering is human beings
“bread”, personal hardship, problems and difficult circumstances, come
across the way in our life especially those who are serious and
enthusiastic. However, our attitude towards them, will be reflected on
our personality. Therefore, we can use it as a cause to unite and
collaborate, away from differences in religion, race, color majority or
minority. We should also grab this opportunity to meet, build trust,
think and work hand-in-hand to put an end for our suffering, and
forever, by accepting and respecting our diversity, since it is at God’s
design for us. Our mission as human beings and believers is to serve
others because they are our brothers and sacrifice ourselves for them,
whoever are they, even if we will smashed like grapes. Every Iraqi
should feel responsible morally and nationally for this situation and
can contribute through individual and / or group initiatives. Let us
follow the example of Gilgamish “the son” of our ancient civilization,
before Christianity and Islam, who sailed to the other side of the world
searching for an eternity herb for his friend Enkidu. Let us be
motivated; to get out of the conventional mentality: to promote the
concept of full citizenship; rehabilitation for peace building; and
adopt the language of dialogue, affection and solidarity.
Voting is a National and Moral Responsibility
Voting is a National and Moral Responsibility
The upcoming Parliamentary
Election is few days away, which is our golden opportunity to “change”
and ensure a bright future for our people. Therefore, I urge all Iraqis
to participate in voting for those who are the best and most suitable to
make our dreams come true, in having Iraq prosperous and strong
socially, economically, educationally and culturally. A civil state, in
which the law protects and applies to everyone “equally”. Iraq is for
all of us, is our identity and shelter. Religion is for God and must be
protected from politicization and distortion. Religion respects persons
and does not enslave them and the God in whom we believe is a loving and
merciful Creator. He knows every one of us and loves us
unconditionally. He wants us to love each other and to live as brothers
and sisters with pride, freedom, dignity and happiness. He is the God of
life, peace, love, mercy. So go and vote.
Happy Easter, Long live the Iraqi people! Long live Iraq.