|
Pope Benedict XVI- Angelus |
Angelus
Message
On Trust in God
"Let Us Not be Afraid of the Future, Even When it Appears Bleak"
H.H. Benedict XVI
November 18, 2007
www.zenit.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In today's Gospel passage St. Luke re-proposes the biblical vision
of history for our reflection and reports the words of Jesus that
invite the disciples not to have fear but to face difficulties,
misunderstandings and even persecutions with trust, persevering in
faith in him.
"When you hear of wars and insurrections," the Lord says, "do not be
terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not
immediately be the end" (Luke 21:9). Mindful of this admonition of
the Lord, the Church has from the very beginning lived in the
prayerful expectation of the Lord's return, scrutinizing the signs
of the times and putting the faithful on guard against recurring
messianic movements that from time to time proclaim that the end of
the world is imminent.
In reality, history must follow its course, which also brings human
dramas and natural calamities with it. A plan of salvation that
Christ has already carried out in his incarnation, death, and
resurrection develops in history. The Church continues to proclaim
and realize this mystery through preaching, the celebration of the
sacraments and the witness of charity.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us welcome Christ's invitation to
face daily events trusting in his providential love. Let us not be
afraid of the future, even when it appears bleak to us, for the God
of Jesus Christ, who took up history to open it up to its
transcendent fulfillment, is its alpha and omega, the beginning and
the end (cf. Revelation 1:8). He guarantees that in every little but
genuine act of love the meaning of the whole universe is contained,
and those who do not hesitate to lose their lives for him, will find
them again in fullness (cf. Matthew 16:25).
Consecrated persons, who have placed their life without reserve at
the service of the kingdom of God invite us with singular
effectiveness to keep this perspective alive. Among these persons I
would like especially to draw attention to those who are called to
contemplation in cloistered monasteries. The Church dedicates a
particular day to them on Wednesday, Nov. 21, the memorial of the
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the temple. We owe much
to these persons who live by what providence procures for them
through the generosity of the faithful.
"As a spiritual oasis, a monastery reminds today's world of the most
important, and indeed, in the end, the only decisive thing: that
there is an ultimate reason why life is worth living -- God and his
unfathomable love" (Address at Heiligenkreuz, Sept. 9, 2007). Faith
that works in charity is the true antidote for the nihilistic
mentality, which in our epoch spreads its influence further and
further throughout the world.
May Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word, accompany us on the earthly
pilgrimage. We ask her to support the witness of all Christians,
that it always rest on a solid and persevering faith.
[After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims in
several languages. In Italian, he said:]
In recent days southern Bangladesh was struck by a terrible cyclone
that injured and killed numerous people and caused grave
destruction. In renewing my profound condolences to the families and
the whole nation, which is so dear to me, I appeal for international
solidarity, which has already moved to assist with immediate
necessities. I ask that every possible effort be made to succor
these sorely tried brothers.
Today there opens in Jordan the 8th meeting of the countries who
signed the convention on the ban of the use, stockpiling,
manufacture and transport of anti-personnel mines and on their
destruction. The Holy See is among the principal promoters of the
convention that was signed 10 years ago. From my heart I convey my
greeting and encouragement for a good outcome to the meeting so that
these explosives, which continue to generate victims -- among whom
are many children -- be completely prohibited.
This afternoon at Novara there will be beatified the venerable
servant of God, Antonio Rosmini, a great figure of a priest and an
illustrious man of culture, animated by fervid love for God and the
Church. He bore witness to the virtue of charity in all of its
dimensions and at a high level, but that for which he was mostly
known was his generous commitment to what he called "intellectual
charity," that is to say the reconciliation of faith and reason. May
his example help the Church, especially Italian ecclesial
communities, to grow in the awareness that the light of reason and
that of grace, when they walk together, become a source of
benediction for the human person and for society.
[Translation by ZENIT]
[In English, he said:]
I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors gathered for
this Angelus prayer, including the communities of the
Neocatechumenal Way from Malta. Today's Gospel urges us to be
steadfast in our faith, trusting in Christ's victory and the coming
of his Kingdom. May we find in prayer the strength to remain always
faithful to the Lord and his Church! God bless you and your
families!
© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
This page is the work of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and
Mary
