The fragility of our era is this, too: we don't believe that there is a chance for redemption; for a hand to raise you up; for an embrace to save you, forgive you, pick you up, flood you with infinite, patient, indulgent love; to put you back on your feet. We need mercy.

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion, and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution.

I invite you not to build walls but bridges, to conquer evil with good, offence with forgiveness, to live in peace with everyone.

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the past, we gain strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.

Let us use love and compassion. Smile five times a day at someone you don't really want to smile at at all. Do it for peace.