It's all about Love

"In this is where it appears that the Bible is a book of a people and for a people; an inheritance, a testament handed over to readers so that they can put into practice in their own lives the history of salvation witnessed in the text. There is therefore a reciprocal relationship of vital belonging between the people and the Book: the Bible remains a living Book with the people which is its subject which reads it; the people cannot exist without the Book, because it is in it that they find their reason for living, their vocation and their identity. " - The Pope, Oct. 27, 2008 , from the General Assemble of the Synod of Bishops

I found this message from the Pope to be very profound and encouraging. Actually, there were quite a few passages that I think are very essential messages to the world. Of course, much was said about love. Loving God, loving your neighbor, loving yourself, and loving to read the scriptures. The Pope also asked that we share in prayer for Christians, who are persecuted on a daily basis, living in Iraq and India. It's hard to imagine what it must be like for people living in other countries not able to have religious freedom like we do in the U.S.A. I know that God gives them the mercy and love to live every day.

The Pope aso stated that he will be going to Africa (Angola and Cameroon) in Spring 2009. It was reported yesterday that there are over 10,000 displaced because of the fighting taking place in Congo. I don't understand all the details but there is still a connection with rebels from Rwanda (Hutus vs. Tutsis). The UN commander in charge of the peacekeeping operation in Congo resigned as well.
I pray that the innocent people in these fighting areas are protected by the Heavenly Father, that they stay safe, receive any medical attention they need, food, and shelter. I also pray for a showering of God's almighty mercy and love to fall upon all these people regardless of their tribe. I pray for peace in Africa. Amen.

other motivational messages from the Pope(see the Vatican news link):

"....the Church’s principal task, at the start of this new millennium, is above all to nourish ourselves on the Word of God, in order to make more effective new evangelization, the announcement of our times."

"What this requires first of all is a more intimate knowledge of Christ and an ever-more docile acceptance of his Word."