I ask God for the miracle of peace

After the decrees of the miracles were announced, the Prelate of Opus Dei mentioned that the approval of a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Josemaria is a cause of great joy for him. And he added, "Today, with Christmas only a few days away, I beg God to grant us the miracle of peace, a peace that sometimes seems impossible to attain..."

"Miracles are always a sign of God's mercy towards mankind. Therefore the news that the Pope has approved several miracles, among them one attributed to the intercession of Josemaria Escriva (just as we are preparing to celebrate the centennial of his birth), is a cause of great joy for me.

I deeply desire that all of us Christians may renew our faith in the power of God and the assistance of the saints. Today, with Christmas only a few days away, I beg God to grant us the miracle of peace, a peace that sometimes seems impossible to attain: peace in our hearts, in families and among nations.

I realize, however, that it is not enough merely to ask God for miracles. Christ calls us to be 'sowers of peace and joy,' as Josemaria Escriva so often said. And John Paul II has reminded us recently that peace is built with deeds of justice and forgiveness. Let us collaborate, therefore, with divine Providence to bring about the immense gift of peace. It is appropriate for us, as God's children, to ask for forgiveness and to amend our deeds when we have personally offended someone. And the one who forgives and refuses to hold a grudge finds peace himself. Let us bring this message to those around us, to our own family, friends and colleagues. Thus we will spread, in circles rippling out ever larger, the spirit of fraternity and mercy that the world so longs for. The example of the saints gives cause for hope."

Rome, 20 December 2001