Friday, January 02, 2004
Omnia Vincit Amor
That's Latin for "Love Conquers All". It's very bohemian, very Moulin Rogue... but believe it or not, it's Pope John Paul II's prayer for peace in the year ahead. Here are a few excerpts from his New Year's Day message:
"Peace remains possible. And if peace is possible, it is also a duty!"
"For Christians, in fact, to proclaim peace is to announce Christ who is “our peace” (Eph 2:14); it is to announce his Gospel, which is a “Gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15); it is to call all people to the beatitude of being “peacemakers” (cf. Mt 5:9)"
"(Peace) must be built on the four pillars indicated by Blessed John XXIII in his Encyclical Pacem in Terris: truth, justice, love and freedom."
"If it is to be won, the fight against terrorism cannot be limited solely to repressive and punitive operations. It is essential that the use of force, even when necessary, be accompanied by a courageous and lucid analysis of the reasons behind terrorist attacks."
"For the establishment of true peace in the world, justice must find its fulfilment in charity."
"By itself, justice is not enough. Indeed, it can even betray itself, unless it is open to that deeper power which is love."
"There is no peace without forgiveness!"
"Only a humanity in which there reigns the “civilization of love” will be able to enjoy authentic and lasting peace."
The full message can be found here. A more inspiring document bolstered with stronger truths cannot be found. The Holy Father has never failed to rally people from across the world to the cause of Jesus Christ. We can only hope that 2004, his 26th year as pope, will continue to be filled with every blessing.
Bumper Cars
On the whim of a church friend, seven of us trotted down to East Coast Park yesterday for waffles at Gelaré and 3 minutes of bumper cars. Yep, you heard me right, seven young adults (the youngest being my brother at 19) just got into seven cars (the manager having chased away a couple of kids going for their umpteenth ride) and simply had one extended adrenalin rush.
I later remarked to a friend that those 3 minutes were more enjoyable than over 3 hours of gameplay on a PC and I guess it was amazing how a simple game involving only one accelerator and a small play area could be more thrilling, exhilarating and fun compared to, say, Daytona 2 or any of its equivalents.
The small joys you learn every day.
That's Latin for "Love Conquers All". It's very bohemian, very Moulin Rogue... but believe it or not, it's Pope John Paul II's prayer for peace in the year ahead. Here are a few excerpts from his New Year's Day message:
"Peace remains possible. And if peace is possible, it is also a duty!"
"For Christians, in fact, to proclaim peace is to announce Christ who is “our peace” (Eph 2:14); it is to announce his Gospel, which is a “Gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15); it is to call all people to the beatitude of being “peacemakers” (cf. Mt 5:9)"
"(Peace) must be built on the four pillars indicated by Blessed John XXIII in his Encyclical Pacem in Terris: truth, justice, love and freedom."
"If it is to be won, the fight against terrorism cannot be limited solely to repressive and punitive operations. It is essential that the use of force, even when necessary, be accompanied by a courageous and lucid analysis of the reasons behind terrorist attacks."
"For the establishment of true peace in the world, justice must find its fulfilment in charity."
"By itself, justice is not enough. Indeed, it can even betray itself, unless it is open to that deeper power which is love."
"There is no peace without forgiveness!"
"Only a humanity in which there reigns the “civilization of love” will be able to enjoy authentic and lasting peace."
The full message can be found here. A more inspiring document bolstered with stronger truths cannot be found. The Holy Father has never failed to rally people from across the world to the cause of Jesus Christ. We can only hope that 2004, his 26th year as pope, will continue to be filled with every blessing.
Bumper Cars
On the whim of a church friend, seven of us trotted down to East Coast Park yesterday for waffles at Gelaré and 3 minutes of bumper cars. Yep, you heard me right, seven young adults (the youngest being my brother at 19) just got into seven cars (the manager having chased away a couple of kids going for their umpteenth ride) and simply had one extended adrenalin rush.
I later remarked to a friend that those 3 minutes were more enjoyable than over 3 hours of gameplay on a PC and I guess it was amazing how a simple game involving only one accelerator and a small play area could be more thrilling, exhilarating and fun compared to, say, Daytona 2 or any of its equivalents.
The small joys you learn every day.
