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Use your life to do works for which you will be judged, says Pope
At the Angelus, Benedict XVI launches an appeal for an end to violence in Nigeria, where attacks against Christians have caused over 150 deaths. If we remove God, "the world will fall back into the void and darkness. And this is also reflected in the expressions of contemporary nihilism, an often subconscious nihilism that unfortunately plagues many young people. " Invitation to prayer for the victims of the flood in Genoa.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "True wisdom Pope Benedict said means “taking advantage of our mortal life to carry out works of mercy, because, after our death, it will no longer be possible. When we are reawakened for the Last Judgment, it will be based on the love we practiced in our earthly life. And this love is the gift of Christ, poured out in us by the Holy Spirit”, warned Benedict XVI Sunday as he reflected on the Gospel of the day to the 30 thousand people present in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus.
The Pope also called for an end to violence in Nigeria, where attacks against churches and Christian places of worship have caused at least 150 dead 'I call - his said - for an end to all violence, that which never solves problems, but only increases them, sowing hatred and division even among believers. "
Previously, Benedict XVI said that "Bible Readings of this Sunday’s liturgy invites us to prolong our reflections on eternal life, which began during the Commemoration of All Souls. On this point the difference between believers and nonbelievers, or, one might also say, among those who hope and who do not hope, is definitive. St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians: "We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13)”. “In fact, - he continued - the religion of the Greeks, the cults and pagan myths were not able to shed light on the mystery of death, so that an ancient inscription said: "In nihil ab nihilo quam cito recidimus," which means "How quickly we fall back from nothing to nothing". If we remove God, if we take away Christ, the world will fall back into the void and darkness. And this is also reflected in the expressions of contemporary nihilism, an often subconscious nihilism that unfortunately plagues many young people ."
The Pope then recalled the Gospel passage which today speaks of the ten maidens invited to a wedding feast, only five of whom can participate in the celebration "because on the groom's arrival, they have the oil to light their lamps; while the other five remain outside, being foolish, did not bring the oil". "This 'oil', which is essential to be admitted to the wedding" is " a symbol of love, which you can not buy, but is received as a gift, custodied within ourselves, and practiced in our deeds." Which is why we should "take advantage of mortal life."
After the Marian prayer, finally, addressing the Italian faithful, Benedict XVI recalled the victims of the flood that hit the city of Genoa. He said "I assure the victims, their families and those who have suffered serious damage of my prayers. May Our Lady of the Guard support the dear population of Genoa as they commit themselves through solidarity to overcoming this trial”.