Cardinal Tobin: Peace through repentance and forgiveness of sins

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Peace be with you!

When the risen Jesus appeared to his disciples, he bestowed on them the gift of his peace. He also reminded them that they are witnesses to the mystery of redemption. As witnesses, they will be called to testify to the truth about the forgiveness of sins, which will be “preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Lk 24:47).

I was in Jerusalem for the first time several years ago, and the impressions that I gained there are indelible. I will never forget the sights, sounds and smells of this ancient city, so rich in religious history and culture.

It’s amazing to me that Jerusalem was the place where our Church’s evangelizing mission began. It’s an unlikely place in many ways. Jerusalem, which means “city of peace,” has been, and continues to be, anything but a peaceful city. This city has known more than its share of war, religious and racial intolerance, hunger (both physical and spiritual) and inhumanity.

But Jerusalem is also a holy city revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims everywhere. There is no lasting peace in Jerusalem today, but the longing for peace is so intense that you can feel it in the air. Jews, Christians, and Muslims who are true to their scriptures and faithful to the best of their traditions share a desire for peace (and, with it, unity) that is almost palpable in Jerusalem, the city of peace.

Where can we find peace? How can we ever achieve an authentic and lasting peace that guarantees the end of all violence and hatred, and also includes the recognition that we are all sisters and brothers, members of the one family of God, with equal rights and dignity?

Continue reading Cardinal Tobin’s latest newsletter.