Only by becoming poor ourselves, by stripping away our complacency, will we be able to identify with the least of our brothers and sisters.

Even today we raise our hand against our brother... We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves as if it were normal we continue to sow destruction, pain, death. Violence and war lead only to death.

Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. I cannot wash my hands, eh? We all have to give something!

This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the centre of our lives.

The Church is or should go back to being a community of God's people, and priests, pastors and bishops, who have the care of souls, are at the service of the people of God.

This is God's way, the way of humility. It is the way of Jesus; there is no other. And there can be no humility without humiliation.

Resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good.