BUILD PEACE FROM WITHIN

In his prayer intention for August 2025, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray, “that societies avoid internal conflicts due to ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.” His call is simple yet profoundly challenging: that we become people of peace, especially as we prepare to celebrate our 68th Merdeka Day on 31 August.

The Pope reminds us that we live in a world filled with fear and division. “We build walls instead of bridges and forget that we are brothers and sisters.” He urges us to respond to conflict not with anger or suspicion, but with kindness, attention and gestures of fraternity.

We don’t have to look far to see how these divisions are forming. Even in a peaceful area like the East Coast of the Peninsula - with its coastal beauty and multicultural harmony - minor tensions can arise, such as misunderstandings between neighbours, religious or ideological differences, or mistrust among ethnic groups, or political influences that sometimes stir unrest rather than offer solutions. 

In recent times, we have witnessed a rise in political tensions and disunity across the nation. Some leaders, despite having been discredited or removed, continue to push personal agendas in an attempt to regain power. Often, in the name of “protecting or fighting for the rights of the rakyat,” they prioritise their own interests. It is clear that political ambition, family legacy, and personal gain seem to matter more than truth, justice, and the well-being of the people.

Worse still, these conflicts can deeply affect our multi-racial and multi-religious society. When ethnic or religious sentiments are used for political gain, the consequences can be long-lasting. We begin to see each other with distrust. This often leads us to view each other suspiciously - building walls of prejudice and shutting out dialogue. Consequently, peace can easily fall apart.

Yet, the Holy Father’s intention invites us to walk a different path — a path of hope, healing, and unity. During this Jubilee Year of Hope - and as we approach Merdeka - let’s wholeheartedly answer the call to become peacemakers in our home, society, community, and nation. Remember, peace starts from within — in the way we choose to forgive, the way we treat those different from us, and the way we listen with respect.

Small acts of kindness, words, actions and understanding are more powerful than we realise. Every dialogue and gesture of goodwill can become a bridge that brings us closer together, rather than a wall that divides us. Let us set aside pride and prejudice and recognise others with the same dignity, compassion and love that God shows us. 

As Malaysians, our strength is in our unity. Let us not allow narrow interests to divide us. Instead, may this August be a time when we choose to live the Pope’s intention, build peace from within, and become instruments of harmony in our family, church, and society. Peace is not a faraway dream. It begins with us – here and now.