CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE: LENT A TIME TO FIND PEACE, EVEN IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

As the Lent season begins for Christians around the globe, Pope Benedict preached to Catholics that they must take this time to struggle to do good and promote justice, even though it is very difficult.  He cited the Bible and concluded with a prayer for peace in the world:

“Let us ask Him for the strength to bear witness to the same feelings of peace and reconciliation that inspired Him on the Sermon on the Mount, in order to achieve eternal Beatitude.” 

Question to the Blogosphere:  There have been other times when certain ceremonies or holidays in religious practice have been used to promote peace between warring groups, do you think it is wise to use religion to combat conflict and find common ground?  Can you think of other instances when this tactic has been used?  To which conflicts do you think the Pope is referring in his call to promote justice in the world?  Where would this tactic be less successful?  Do you think Pope Benedict could become a useful person to bring into conflicts when there is a need to search for common ground, or are most of the conflicts between traditionally non-Christian societies?