On this momentous day, I can think of no more appropriate remarks than President Barack Obama"s recent reflections in Cairo, Egypt, where he said:
"All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort to find common groound, to focus on the future we seek for our children, end to respect the dignity of all human beings.
"It is easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path.
There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion --that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
"This truth trascends nations and peoples -- a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and still beats in the hearts of billions around the worlde. It'a faith in other people...
"We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in m ind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us: "O mankind! We have created you male and female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall bel called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth."
Thank you, Sant'Egidio. Thank you, Krakow. May God richly bless your life-