Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai: Heroism is not in making war, but in avoiding it

BETH KERKE, Lebanon — During his sermon at Sunday Mass in Beth Kerke (Bkerke), Lebanon, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai delivered a stirring message, emphasizing the paramount importance of wisdom and peace over conflict and power in today’s tumultuous world.

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions and conflicts globally, Patriarch al-Rai’s words resonate as a beacon of hope, advocating for dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation in lieu of violence.

Patriarch al-Rai unequivocally criticized Hezbollah’s efforts to embroil Lebanon in the Gaza conflict, asserting that true heroism lies not in waging war with advanced weaponry but in exercising reason, fostering peace, and averting the scourge of armed conflict.

Addressing congregants, the Patriarch underscored the destructive consequences of war, lamenting its toll on lives, infrastructure, and societal cohesion. He invoked a divine imperative, urging a departure from retaliatory justice toward a paradigm of love and compassion.

Emphasizing Lebanon’s rich religious diversity, Patriarch al-Rai stressed the necessity of nurturing harmonious relationships founded on mutual respect and love, resonating with the fundamental tenets of faith embraced by the nation’s 18 religious sects.

Concluding his sermon, Patriarch al-Rai issued a resolute call for national unity, urging all Lebanese citizens to prioritize loyalty to their homeland above all else. He emphasized the urgency of forging new pathways toward cohesion and collaboration, transcending divisions and mistrust that threaten the fabric of society.