Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A colourful and festive St Peter’s Square welcomed Pope Leo XIV, who appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace at 12 noon to lead the Angelus. The Pope recalled the revolution brought about by the “law of love”, which “interrupts the law of calculation”: the gain for everyone of “joy, wisdom and a future”.
Before reciting the Marian prayer, the Pope commented on passages from today’s liturgy. Beginning with the reading from the prophet Isaiah (Isa 55:6–9), which offers “a great cause for hope”, he said that God’s “thoughts” and “ways” are not our own.
“God’s plans are infinitely greater and, let us say, more ‘human’ than those of us men and women,” he said. “Hence, here is the prophet’s ever-relevant appeal: to abandon our distorted ways and return to the Lord, who is mercy and forgiveness.”
Commentary on the Gospel
Leo XIV then commented on the Gospel of the day (Mt 20:1–16), which presents the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, all of whom are paid the same wage. Like all parables, this one too describes “the newness of what God has in store for us”, but also the “resistance” that humanity puts up “against a more generous justice and a greater love”.
The “focus” of today’s parable is “payment”: the master keeps his word and pays the “last” in the same way as the “first”. This action triggers a “negative reaction” in those who had worked all day. From this, it is clear that “the revelation of God’s goodness is for everyone, not just for a few”, said Prevost.
“God has different ways and new thoughts even for those who consider themselves the first and believe they have earned their position, that they have deserved the achievements they have attained.” All people gain “joy, wisdom and a future” when “the experience of mercy broadens that of merit, the gift of peace puts rivalries to one side and brings people closer together in gratitude”.
“Brothers and sisters, it is a grace to be God’s co-workers, to labour in his vineyard, to serve his Kingdom of justice and peace!” said the Pope. “There is no room for envy and division where God’s newness breaks forth.
Let us therefore seek the Lord whilst he makes himself known; let us call upon him whilst he is near; let us abandon crooked paths and wicked thoughts.”
Concern over the crisis in Somalia
After the Angelus, the Pope expressed “great concern” over the humanitarian crisis that is spreading in certain areas of Somalia. There, over 6 million people are facing severe food insecurity due to a devastating drought and cuts to international funding. Prevost highlighted the “precarious living conditions of the population, particularly women and children”. “I hope for the generous involvement of the international community, so that our brothers and sisters may not lack the necessary assistance,” he said.
