ASIA/PHILIPPINES – The Silsilah movement: the spirit of Advent helps to break free from the “culture of corruption”

Zamboanga – “In the Philippines, we are suffering from a very worrying problem of corruption. Many of us have expressed our disappointment with this ‘culture of corruption.’ We are called to reflect on how we can move out of this situation in the spirit of Advent, which is a time of purification and joy to celebrate the coming of Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us,” reads the message published by the Islamic-Christian “Silsilah” Movement, active in the southern Philippines, for the Advent season. Every year, the movement, which promotes dialogue and consists of representatives of both religions, sends a message to Christians for Advent and Christmas and a message to Muslims for the month of Ramadan.
“During this Advent season,” reads the text sent to Fides, “we are called to reflect on God’s love for humanity. Jesus came into the world to share God’s love with everyone, with particular attention to the poor.”
Noting that corruption is an evil that affects the poor in particular, the message quotes Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Letter “Dilexit Te” and observes that “it helps us to deepen our love for the poor and needy.” The text recalls that “the prophets denounce the injustices committed against the weakest,” and that the faithful “cannot pray or offer sacrifices while they oppress the weakest and poorest.”
“This message from Pope Leo XIV,” states the Silsilah Movement’s Advent message, “reminds us to turn to God with a sincere heart, and Advent is a special time for purification, to understand that Jesus came into the world to share God’s love with everyone.”
The Silsilah Movement is disseminating the “prayer of harmony” worldwide as a universal prayer endorsed by Christian and Muslim religious leaders. A section of this prayer, recommended for Advent, reads: “Grant me, O Lord, the courage to live in dialogue amidst divisions and conflicts, and to make peace with all people who are sincere in heart and believe in Your love and compassion.”

Read original article