The first setting in which faith enlightens the human city is the family.

The first reform must be the attitude. The ministers of the Gospel must be people who can warm the hearts of the people, who walk through the dark night with them, who know how to dialogue and to descend themselves into their people's night, into the darkness, but without getting lost. The people of God want pastors, not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials.

States kill when they apply the death penalty, when they send their people to war, or when they carry out extra-judicial or summary executions. They can also kill by omission, when they fail to guarantee to their people access to the bare essentials for life.

We also must learn to listen more to our conscience. Be careful, however: this does not mean we ought to follow our ego, do whatever interests us, whatever suits us, whatever pleases us. That is not conscience.

All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.

Mary’s life shows that God accomplishes great deeds through those who are the most humble.

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