Pray with the Pope Reflection - August 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

Monday, August 11, 2025

My brothers and sisters: In this month of August, the Holy Father invites us to pray for mutual coexistence, that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.

Being different from each other does not mean that confrontation is the only means for resolution. The crux of the issue goes beyond the manner in which we resolve conflicts, important as it may be; it boils down to how we see each other.

If someone disagrees with me or holds a different set of beliefs, does that make him an enemy or an outsider? Must I turn him into part of my tribe, or worse, eliminate him to resolve this tension?

Our late Pope, Pope Francis, reminds us of the deep fraternity between fellow humans. The inherent human dignity that comes with being created in the image and likeness of God takes precedence over whatever perceived differences. This needs to be the foundation of our living in the same society amidst our differences.

There are also times in which our shared humanity can serve as a common platform from which we can work together for the common good of all. This is certainly the hope. Even when such a mutual collaboration isn’t possible, we need to learn to disagree with each other in a non-destructive way.

Let us learn to talk things over, and not treat intellectual disagreements as existential threats. Let us learn to reject a tribal mentality, that if you are not with me, you are against me. Let us learn to live in a creative tension, trusting in God's providence amidst uncertainty. May God bless you today.