May Lebanon Dwell in the Sanctuary of God

Pope Benedict XVI courageously visited one of the most tumultuous areas of our world this past weekend, bringing words of peace and encouragement to our Christian and Muslim brothers and sisters in Lebanon. During his trip, the Holy Father made time to visit with government representatives, Church leaders, and young people. The Vatican’s website posted a photo gallery from the apostolic journey. 

In a powerful closing ceremony, Pope Benedict addressed the people of Lebanon before his departure. He said:

In his wisdom, Solomon asked Hiram of Tyre to build a house for the name of God, a sanctuary for all eternity (cf. Sir 47:13). And Hiram, whom I mentioned at my arrival, sent wood taken from the cedars of Lebanon (cf. 1 Kg 5:22). Cedar furnishings adorned the interior of the Temple, with garlands of sculpted flowers (cf. 1 Kg 6:18). Lebanon was present in the sanctuary of God. May the Lebanon of today, and her inhabitants, also dwell in the sanctuary of God! May Lebanon continue to be a place where men and women can live in harmony and peace with each other, in order to give the world not only a witness to the presence of God, the primary theme of this past Synod, but also a witness to the communion between people, the second theme of the Synod, whatever their political, social, or religious standpoint. I pray to God for Lebanon, that she may live in peace and courageously resist all that could destroy or undermine that peace. I hope that Lebanon will continue to permit the plurality of religious traditions and not listen to the voices of those who wish to prevent it. I hope that Lebanon will fortify the communion among all her inhabitants, whatever their community or religion, that she will resolutely reject all that could lead to disunity, and with determination choose brotherhood. These are blossoms pleasing to God, virtues that are possible and that merit consolidation by becoming more deeply rooted.

One message repeated throughout they journey, is that we are called to defend peace by respecting human life itself. Let us pray with Pope Benedict that Christians in the Middle East stay safe while courageously defending life.