Pope: Jesus gives rest to the "harassed and helpless", those in the poorest countries, but also those on the margins of wealthy nations
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The promise of Jesus to "give rest to all" is a call for Christians, in turn, to give "rest and comfort to our brothers and sisters, in imitation of the Master ...". The call of Jesus is still true today, because "harassed and helpless" people are "in the poorest countries, but also on the margins of wealthy nations, there are many people harassed and helpless under the unbearable weight of abandonment and 'indifference".
These are the thoughts around which the Pope Francis centered his meditation before the Sunday Angelus with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The pontiff took its cue from Jesus in the
Gospel of today's Mass: "Come
unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
(Mt 11:28). The pope though to describe the people to whom Christ's invitation was addressed: "He has before his eyes the people he meets
every day in the
streets of Galilee, many simple, poor, sick people, sinners, outcasts .. .
these people always chased after him to
listen to his word - a word
that gave hope! -
and even just to
touch the hem of his garment.
Jesus himself sought out these harassed and helpless crowds, like sheep
without a shepherd (cf. Mt 9:35
- 36), to
proclaim the Kingdom of God and to
heal many in body and in spirit".
Jesus' invitation "extends to the present day": "In in the poorest countries, but
also on the margins of wealthy nations,
there are many people harassed and helpless under the unbearable weight of abandonment and 'indifference".
"How badly human indifference hurts the needy - he added in unscripted
remarks - and even worse the indifference of Christians".
"On the margins of society - he continued - there are many men and women tried by poverty, but also by a dissatisfaction with their lives and frustration. Many are forced to emigrate from their homeland, risking their own lives. Many more bear the daily weight of an economic system that exploits man, imposes an unbearable "yoke", which the privileged few do not want to bear. To each of these children of the Father who is in heaven, Jesus says, "Come unto me, all of you. "and he also says it to those who possess everything, but their heart is empty without God. Jesus also addresses this invitation to them. Jesus' invitation is for everyone, but especially for those who are most in need".
"Once we receive refreshment and comfort of Christ - he concluded - we are called in turn to give to rest and comfort to our brothers and sisters, with a meek and humble attitude, in imitation of the Master. Meekness and humility of heart help us not only to take charge of the weight of the other, but not to impose upon them with our own personal views, our opinions, our criticism, or our indifference".
After the Marian prayer, the Pope greeted "the Romans and pilgrims" and added a "special and affectionate" greeting to "all the good people of Molise who yesterday welcomed me into their beautiful land, but also into their heart. It was a warm welcome that I will never forget". "Please - he concluded - do not forget to pray for me. I too pray for you".
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13/05/2010
21/01/2024 16:42
