Bartholomew I: if we do not glorify God we will not overcome the crisis
by NAT da Polis
In his Christmas message the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, makes a powerful statement that only by accepting the Child Jesus, can the world return to its original beauty and peace. A world that rejects God makes war or prepares for war.
Istanbul (AsiaNews) - "We can not overcome the crisis that afflicts mankind if we continue to despise God" is the Christmas message of Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The message is inspired by the song of the angels on Christmas Eve, the "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those whom he loves" (Lk 2:14-15), and is divided into two parts, one theological in nature, the other of a social nature.
In the first part of a theological nature the Patriarch develops the importance of the incarnation of the Son and Word of God and the urgency to welcome him among the men: "most people do not glorify God – either in their deeds or through their words. Many of them doubt the very existence of God and God’s presence in their lives. There are also many people that attribute responsibility to God for the misfortunate occurrences in their lives. However, those who grumble against God err profoundly, since evil does not derive from Him. On the contrary, the loving incarnation of the divine Son and Word, together with the consequent events of His Crucifixion and Resurrection, reshape the human person to its former beauty, granting eternal life and the peace that surpasses all understanding, while rendering human beings co-heirs of the heavenly kingdom. This act of divine condescension, though embracing the ultimate humiliation, is in itself capable of glorifying humanity. Thus, even if many people fail to glorify God in their hearts, nevertheless glory is rendered – by all creation and all things that take place among humans – unto Him who dwells in the highest. We too, then, gratefully cry out with the Angels, “Glory to God in the highest,” for the immensity of His works and the incomprehensibility of His love for us. "
In the second part, Bartholomew I, commenting on the phrase "peace on earth", addresses the powerful of this world saying: "How can we speak of peace on earth when almost half of the planet finds itself either in the act of or in preparation for war? The sweet tone of the angelic proclamation regarding “peace on earth” is of course primarily a divine pledge that, if people adhere to the way indicated by the new-born Child, they will acquire internal peace and peaceful coexistence. But, alas, most people are moved and drawn by the cymbals of war, ignoring the sound of the pledge for peace on earth. We are not referring here to those who passionately support the use of weapons, but especially to those who transform gentle competition to unequal conflict, seeking the annihilation of any opposition. In this respect, war is experienced as reality among members of rival social groups and parties of all kinds – whether racial, political, partisan, financial, ideological, religious, athletic or any other kind, where the intense mindset of members is converted into militant rather than peaceful. However, this does not refute the truth proclaimed by the Angels, that – through the Nativity of Christ and the acceptance of His teachings – peace will indeed prevail on earth. Christ came bearing peace; and if His peace does not prevail in the world, then responsibility lies with those who fail to accept and embrace this peace, not with the God who grants it "
"The only way of overcoming war and all forms of crisis, such as the financial one that plagues our world - concluded Bartholomew I - is our Lord Jesus Christ, who assured us that His is the Way, the Truth and the Life."
In the first part of a theological nature the Patriarch develops the importance of the incarnation of the Son and Word of God and the urgency to welcome him among the men: "most people do not glorify God – either in their deeds or through their words. Many of them doubt the very existence of God and God’s presence in their lives. There are also many people that attribute responsibility to God for the misfortunate occurrences in their lives. However, those who grumble against God err profoundly, since evil does not derive from Him. On the contrary, the loving incarnation of the divine Son and Word, together with the consequent events of His Crucifixion and Resurrection, reshape the human person to its former beauty, granting eternal life and the peace that surpasses all understanding, while rendering human beings co-heirs of the heavenly kingdom. This act of divine condescension, though embracing the ultimate humiliation, is in itself capable of glorifying humanity. Thus, even if many people fail to glorify God in their hearts, nevertheless glory is rendered – by all creation and all things that take place among humans – unto Him who dwells in the highest. We too, then, gratefully cry out with the Angels, “Glory to God in the highest,” for the immensity of His works and the incomprehensibility of His love for us. "
In the second part, Bartholomew I, commenting on the phrase "peace on earth", addresses the powerful of this world saying: "How can we speak of peace on earth when almost half of the planet finds itself either in the act of or in preparation for war? The sweet tone of the angelic proclamation regarding “peace on earth” is of course primarily a divine pledge that, if people adhere to the way indicated by the new-born Child, they will acquire internal peace and peaceful coexistence. But, alas, most people are moved and drawn by the cymbals of war, ignoring the sound of the pledge for peace on earth. We are not referring here to those who passionately support the use of weapons, but especially to those who transform gentle competition to unequal conflict, seeking the annihilation of any opposition. In this respect, war is experienced as reality among members of rival social groups and parties of all kinds – whether racial, political, partisan, financial, ideological, religious, athletic or any other kind, where the intense mindset of members is converted into militant rather than peaceful. However, this does not refute the truth proclaimed by the Angels, that – through the Nativity of Christ and the acceptance of His teachings – peace will indeed prevail on earth. Christ came bearing peace; and if His peace does not prevail in the world, then responsibility lies with those who fail to accept and embrace this peace, not with the God who grants it "
"The only way of overcoming war and all forms of crisis, such as the financial one that plagues our world - concluded Bartholomew I - is our Lord Jesus Christ, who assured us that His is the Way, the Truth and the Life."
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See also
Bartholomew I’s Lenten message
23/02/2015
23/02/2015
