May the Noise of Weapons Cease!

 "May the noise of weapons cease!  War always marks the failure of peace, it is always a defeat for humanity." Pope Francis. 7 September 2013

Yesterday over 100,000 people joined Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square for a Prayer Vigil for Peace in Syria. I do not know how many more people, like myself, joined in prayer from other parts of the world via TV and the Internet.  Pope Francis' remarks during the vigil were a powerful statement against this war and all acts of violence. His message included a call for all of us to engage in personal reflection, "Let everyone be moved to look into the depths of his or her conscience and listen to that word which says: Leave behind the self-interest that hardens your heart, overcome the indifference that makes your heart insensitive towards others, conquer your deadly reasoning, and open yourself to dialogue and reconciliation."
As we look into the depths of our conscience, let us all continue to pray for peace everyday, and continue to be peacemakers in this world.
 
The complete text of Pope Francis' remarks can be found on the Vatican website.