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generously to the Lord and to others. It moves us as Christian communities

to be faithful to our mission with frankness and courage.4 In the Good She-

pherd who lays down his life for his flock, in the Teacher who washes the feet

of his disciples, you find, my dear brothers, the model of your own ministry in

the service of our God who promotes love and communion.

The call to communion of mind and heart, so closely related to the com-

mandment of love and to the central unifying role of the Eucharist in our lives,

is of special relevance in the Holy Land. The different Christian Churches found

here represent a rich and varied spiritual patrimony and are a sign of the

multiple forms of interaction between the Gospel and different cultures. They

also remind us that the mission of the Church is to preach the universal love of

God and to gather, from far and near, all who are called by him, in such a way

that, with their traditions and their talents, they form the one family of God. A

new spiritual impulse towards communion in diversity within the Catholic

Church and a new ecumenical awareness have marked our times, especially since

the Second Vatican Council. The Spirit moves our hearts gently towards humi-

lity and peace, towards mutual acceptance, comprehension and cooperation.

This inner disposition to unity under the prompting of the Holy Spirit is decisive

if Christians are to fulfill their mission in the world.5

In the measure in which the gift of love is accepted and grows in the Church,

the Christian presence in the Holy Land and in the neighboring regions will be

vibrant. This presence is of vital importance for the good of society as a whole.

The clear words of Jesus on the intimate bond between love of God and love of

neighbor, on mercy and compassion, on meekness, peace and forgiveness, are a

leaven capable of transforming hearts and shaping actions. Christians in the

Middle East, together with other people of good will, are contributing, as loyal

and responsible citizens, in spite of difficulties and restrictions, to the promotion

and consolidation of a climate of peace in diversity. I wish to repeat to them

what I stated in my 2006 Christmas Message to Catholics in the Middle East: "I

express with affection my personal closeness in this situation of human insecu-

rity, daily suffering, fear and hope which you are living. I repeat to your com-

munities the words of the Redeemer: 'Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's

good pleasure to give you the Kingdom'6".7

Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 525

4 Cfr. Acts 4:13. 5 Cfr. Jn 17:21. 6 Lk 12:32. 7 Christmas Message to Catholics living in the Middle East Region, 21 December 2006.