May both of them [Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II] teach us not to be scandalized by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves.

It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good. Thus will they be able to marshal the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace.

Let us allow God to fill our hearts with his goodness and mercy.

I ask all people of goodwill to help build a culture of encounter, solidarity and peace

Praise is the 'breath' which gives us life, because it is intimacy with God, an intimacy that grows through daily praise.

In the Gospel we have just heard, Jesus, the Master, teaches the crowds and the small group of his disciples by accommodating himself to their ability to understand. ... Jesus does not seek to 'play the professor.' Instead, he seeks to reach people's hearts, their understanding and their lives, so that they may bear fruit.

Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man.