[Editor's Note: Apostleship of Prayer offers reflections and prayers for Pope Benedict XVI's monthly prayer intentions.]

General Intention

That in our violent time, Bishops may continue to show the way of peace and understanding among peoples.

Mission Intention

That the Church in Africa may be a witness of the Good News of Christ and be committed to the promotion of reconciliation and peace.

Daily Offering Prayer

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

Prayer of the Month

God our Father,

Creator of the world,

You establish the order which governs all the ages.

Hear our prayer and give us peace in our time

that we may rejoice in Your mercy

and praise You without end.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(from Mass for Peace and Justice)

Peace

There can be no peace without the just ordering of society according to God's Law.  According to the Bishops at the Second Vatican Council:

Peace is not merely the absence of war; nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power between enemies; nor is it brought about by dictatorship Instead, it is rightly and appropriately called an enterprise of justice. Peace results from that order structured into human society by its divine Founder, and actualized by men as they thirst after ever greater justice.

The Bishops continue by pointing out that only Christ's power given to every person will bring about the peace we seek:

That earthly peace which arises from love of neighbor symbolizes and results from the peace of Christ which radiates from God the Father. For by the cross the incarnate Son, the prince of peace reconciled all people with God. By thus restoring all men to the unity of one people and one body, He slew hatred in His own flesh; and, after being lifted on high by His resurrection, He poured forth the spirit of love into the hearts of men.

All people of good will want peace, and this desire comes from the Spirit of Christ.  All Christians are called to be peace-makers, as our Bishops show us the way.  We are all called to present not only to Catholics but to the entire world the social teachings of the Gospel. If the world follows the Church, we may know the justice from which lasting peace and understanding will arise.

We join the Bishop of Rome in praying this month that he and his brother Bishops may teach the world the way to peace.  May we all listen and follow.

For Reflection

How do our sins lead to the injustice which causes war?

Scripture

"Justice will bring about peace." (Isaiah 32:9-20)

"I will appoint shepherds for them." (Jeremiah 23:4-6)

Church in Africa

What is this Good News of Christ?  It is that God loves us so much He became a human being and lived, died, and rose from the dead for us. God did this to save us from sin and death.  The Good News of Christ is that we are now united with God and one another.

But sin still causes division and death among us.  The recent history of an entire continent — Africa — reveals the effects of sin in a horrific way.

Because of sin (injustice and corruption) millions have little or nothing to eat. Because of old tribal conflicts and new political rivalries hundreds of thousands have been victims of genocide.

The Church must lead the way in proclaiming the Good News that is Africa's only hope for true justice and peace.  When Pope Benedict met with the new ambassador of Rwanda, a country particularly affected by sinful genocide, he said:

I was moved by your words, Your Excellency, stressing the positive role played by the Catholic Church in the process of national reconstruction. The Church, in fact, is deeply involved in the process of reconciliation and forgiveness, through the statements of her Bishops, through her numerous institutions in the areas of charitable aid, education and health care, as well as through her pastoral care that is dedicated to healing hearts and helping people rediscover the joy of living together as brothers and sisters.

We join the Holy Father in praying that the Church may continue to give the people of Africa the only One who can ultimately bring healing and peace — Jesus.

For Reflection

St. Seraphim of Sarov said "Acquire the Spirit of Peace and thousands around you will be saved."  How can I grow in peace and share that peace with people in Africa?

Scripture

"Christ is our peace." (Ephesians 2:13-18)

"The peace of God will guard you." (Philippians 4:4-9)