Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem’s Christmas homily
December 29, 2014
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem spoke about salvation, the family, and peace during his Christmas homily at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
“It is true that one can talk about economic salvation, about political salvation and social salvation,” said Patriarch Fouad Twal. “ But more importantly, one must talk about a spiritual and moral salvation, which [is] the basis of human progress. Indeed, our sins and transgressions are the cause of our suffering and the suffering of others, with all the social and political consequences.”
“Salvation is to be found in repentance, in asking for forgiveness, in obtaining such forgiveness and finally in conversion,” he said.
The patriarch also preached about the value of human life and the suffering of children, as well as the importance of the indissolubility of marriage “for the good of the couple, for the whole of society and, above all, of the child who has the right to normal, emotional and psychological development.”
Praying for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East, he called for the reconstruction of Gaza and for a reversal of the decision to extend the Israeli West Bank barrier through the property of 58 Palestinian Christian families in the Cremisan Valley.
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