OPEN STATEMENT:

To all Worldwide Marriage Encounter Community, North America, from the North American Secretariat Ecclesial Team

Our Dear Lovers on the Mission:

“Love One Another as I Have Loved You.”

This, the greatest Commandment of Our Lord and the Vision by which we fulfill our mission in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, should be the very foundation on how we live, how we react AND, how we act each day of our lives. It is evident to us that given the current events that have tragically affected so many human beings across God’s Earth, now more than ever is a reminder for all of us to maintain the correct focus – and that is “To Love One Another, as He has loved us.”

Often you have heard us make the comment that too often we focus on our Mission. However, what should drive our Mission is our Vision statement, that great Commandment. Everything we do, not only within our ministry, but also within our daily lives, should build upon that great, loving statement.

With all the things that are going on in our country today, it’s easy to lose trust and hope, even doubt that things in our country will change. It’s clear that the world is broken right now – full of spiritual apathy, selfishness, racism, religious extremism, violence and terrorism, and the list goes on. It can be also be tempting to believe that our countries of the North American Secretariat, the countries of our world have reached a point of no return. While these factors cause despair, we are reminded in Scripture that with God, nothing is impossible. No problem is too great for Him. These times, or seasons of distress and uncertainty and hardship call for faithful, fervent prayer by all of us, God’s people, and remind us of our responsibility to humble ourselves before our Lord. In faithful prayers:

We humbly ask you Lord to look down upon us with mercy. Help guide us with peacefulness, patience, wisdom and help us act out of love and service to all our brothers and sisters.

  • We pray for an end to this tragic pandemic, which has taken so many beautiful souls across the world. We pray for and are so incredibly thankful for all our healthcare providers who so selflessly gave – putting themselves in constant danger so that they can care for those suffering.
  • We pray for all your people who have lost jobs, careers, and livelihoods, that they will be able to find their way to a meaningful, productive career and capable to provide for their families.
  • And, we pray for all those less fortunate, living in shelters and our streets, that we treat them with dignity, love, compassion, and support to help them find their way back to a more fulfilling life.

The following, taken from USCCB – please respond – “Let us pray to the Lord”

  • For an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace.
  • For the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language or culture.
  • For the strength to teach our children how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully, and the courage to model it in our own behavior.
  • For our faith community, that we may respond boldly to the Holy Spirit’s call to act together to end violence and racism.
  • For healing and justice for all those who have experienced violence and racism.
  • For the protection of all police and first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety; for fair and just policing that will promote peace and wellbeing in all our neighborhoods.
  • For our Church, that we may cultivate welcome, extend hospitality, and encourage the participation of people of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.
  • For the courage to have difficult conversations about racism, and for a better appreciation of how our words and actions – or even our silence – can impact our communities.
  • For solidarity in our global human family, that we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Tweeted: “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form. At the same time, we have to recognize that violence is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us pray for reconciliation and peace.” As modern day Missionaries in WWME, we realize that it will be through prayer that our nations will begin the healing process. We also know from Scripture that when light stands in the darkness, light always wins.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). We also know from Joel 2:25 that God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All we need is faith. There is no need for you to believe there is anything in your life that God cannot handle. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and active in all areas of our lives. We may live in dark times, but we have hope, because light always wins. At our lowest points, God is our hope and at our weakest points, God is our strength and will heal us.

Heavenly Father, today we pray for our world. We ask that You would give our governing leaders wisdom beyond their own understanding and the courage to choose the right path no matter how narrow the gate. We pray for all in authority over us that You would give them the grace and strength to stand against the temptation to use power as a weapon but rather to carry it reverently as one would their own child. We pray for the spiritual leaders of our world that they would hear Your voice and know your heart. We pray that they would lead from their knees and by that simple grace bring each one of us to our knees before You. Have mercy on our nations and your world, Lord, we are your children in need. . .In Jesus name, Amen.

May you go forth and “Love One Another as He has Loved Us.”With love and God’s abundant blessings,

Joe & Sue Talarico and Fr. Salvador Ahumada
North American Secretariat Ecclesial Team