Patriarch Louis Raphael Card. Sako
It is very sad that Christmas is coming this year too in such painful circumstances. The wounds of the Islamic State (ISIS) have not been healed yet, together with the ongoing violence, poverty, unemployment and poor services that have pushed thousands of people, especially youth, to demonstrate peacefully, demanding the right to live with dignity and freedom in a stable, secure, and strong independent homeland. Since 2003, this dream has not been realized and our hearts are still full of sorrow and anxiety for the large number of casualties and thousands of injured Iraqis. It is unfortunate that Iraqis are unable to find an effective way to put the country on the right track, eliminate sectarianism, corruption, illegal enrichment, and the unfair seize of public and private properties, despite the numerous appeals from inside and outside Iraq.
The
message of Christmas is the message of Jesus Christ, the Savior)
defiant), at all its stages, aims to achieve peace, justice, freedom,
dignity, fraternity, love, and happiness: “Glory to God in the highest and peace be on earth among people of good will” (Luke 2:14).
Jesus Christ was born, in order for us to be born in him and with him
for a new life of all humankind through its spiritual and moral
concepts. Jesus Christ will be born within us when love and mercy fill
our hearts; when we choose fraternity and compassion; and refuse to
comply with evil, then we will have the joy of peace and reiterating
Saint Paul’s words: “For the grace of God has appeared, saving
all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to
live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age” (Titus 2: 11-12).
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In
this suffering Middle East, let us meditate deeply on the message of
Christmas, in order to personify it in our daily life, since Jesus’
birth is a declaration of a harmonious and happy life. This is the way
to follow His path of heartfelt fraternity, peace and joy. A path that
makes human being more human and allow him to live with dignity.
Today,
we live in grief, and we are looking for hope and consolation to face
the escalation of violence and the frightening increase in number of
casualties and wounded in Baghdad and other cities. No one knows where
Iraq is going to? Therefore, and in this delicate situation, I urge all
politicians and security officials to listen to the voice of their
people in this blessed land of Abraham, the voice of those who were
killed, and those who are still subjected to injustice, misery and
humiliation; and to avoid military solution that will certainly leave
more dead and injured. This appeal embraces a “rescue initiative” that
should accommodate the crisis, through courageous dialogue with
the protesters to achieve a comprehensive national project, which could
be the “rescue board” that saves the country, pleases God, and makes
Iraqis happy.
On
this occasion and as we are going through these critical and painful
circumstances, I would like to bring to the attention of our bishops and
priests (especially those who are serving in Iraq), the importance of
showing closeness of the Church to Iraqis, Christians, Muslims and
others; accompanying them, spiritually and humanitarianly;
and responding to their needs with distinct care, following the example
of Jesus Christ. Keeping in mind that God will hold us accountable for
our love and service we offer for others, which is precisely what we
mean by singing the Christmas Eve hymn: When we give a cup of water for a thirst * When we clothe a naked, out of love * When we wipe out tears from others’ eyes * when we fill hearts with hope * we are in Christmas.
When I kiss my friend without cheating * When I get rid of the spirit
of revenge * When my heart is cleansed from staleness * When my souls
melts in God’s being * I am in Christmas (this hymn is inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25: 35- 36). This is the right way to live our consecration of loving, serving and witnessing,
In
conclusion, I assure my closeness to all Iraqis, and express my
condolences and feelings of solidarity with the families of martyrs,
injured, and the disabled, of both protesters and security forces,
wishing a speedy recovery for the wounded.
I implore God the Almighty to grant us the peace and joy of Christmas, wishing you all a blessed and happy New Year.