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Pope Benedict XVI- Angelus |
Angelus Message
"Some Are Asked to Give the Supreme Testimony of Blood"
Remembering Sister Leonella Sgorbati
H.H. Benedict XVI
September 24, 2006
www.zenit.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus announced to his disciples for the second
time his passion, death and resurrection (cf. Mark 9:30-31). The
Evangelist Mark highlights the strong contrast between His mentality and
that of the Twelve Apostles, who not only didn't understand the words of
the Master and clearly rejected the idea that he was going to meet death
(cf. Mark 8:32), but also disputed over who among them was to be
considered "the greatest" (cf. Mark 9:34). Jesus patiently explains to
them his logic, the logic of love that involves service up to the gift
of self: "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and
the servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
This is the logic of Christianity, which responds to the truth of man
created in the image of God, but at the same time it contrasts with his
egoism, a consequence of original sin. Every human person is attracted
by love -- which ultimately is God himself -- but often [the person]
errs in the concrete ways of loving, and thus from a tendency that is at
its origin positive, though tainted by sin, can be derived evil
intentions and actions.
Also recalled, in today's liturgy, is the Letter of St. James: "Where
jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul
practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then
peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without
inconstancy or insincerity." The apostle concludes: "A fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace" (3:16-18).
This word brings to mind the witness of so many Christians who, with
humility and in silence, spend their life at the service of others for
the sake of the Lord Jesus, working concretely as servants of love and
therefore "artisans" of peace. Some are asked to give the supreme
testimony of blood, as happened a few days ago to the Italian religious,
Sister Leonella Sgorbati, who fell victim to violence. This nun, who for
many years served the poor and the children in Somalia, died pronouncing
the word "pardon": This is the most authentic Christian witness, a
peaceful sign of contradiction which shows the victory of love over hate
and evil.
No doubt, following Christ is difficult, but, as he says, only the one
who loses his life for the sake of the Gospel will save it (cf. Mark
8:35), giving full sense to one's existence. There exists no other path
to be his disciples, there is no other path to witness to his love and
tend toward evangelical perfection.
Mary, whom we invoke this day as Our Lady of Mercy, helps us to open our
heart ever more to the love of God, mystery of joy and sanctity.
[Translation by ZENIT]
[After the Angelus, the Pope spoke in various languages. In English he
said:]
Next Thursday is World Maritime Day and I would like to invite all of
you to pray for the men and women involved in seafaring, and for their
families. I thank the Lord for the work of the Apostleship of the Sea,
which for many years has offered human and spiritual support to those
who live this difficult and challenging way of life.
I welcome particularly the recent initiatives taken by the International
Maritime Organization to contribute to the fight against poverty and
hunger. May Our Lady, Star of the Sea, look down in love upon seafarers
and their families and upon all those who care for their human and
spiritual needs. …
To the English-speaking visitors here today, including the group of
pilgrims associated with the Acton Institute in America, I extend
cordial greetings. I pray that you may receive many graces during your
stay, and that you return home strengthened in faith, hope, and love. I
invoke God's blessings of joy and peace upon all of you, and upon your
families and loved ones at home.
© Copyright 2006 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
This page is the work of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and
Mary
