Angelus - December 16th

Angelus – December 16, 2012

The Holy Father speaks from his window
overlooking St. Peter's Square.

This past Sunday's Gospel and reflection focused once again around the figure of Saint John the Baptist.  In the reading, as the Holy Father points out, because of John's tough words about repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah, the crowd that comes out to him asks him in response, “What must we do?”  Pope Benedict spoke of the three dialogues John has with the crowd and its relevance for us today.

John the Baptist by Andrea del Sarto.

            First, John is speaking to the crowd in general.  He tells them that if they have two cloaks, they should give one away, or if they have food to eat, they should give some to those who have none.  Here the Holy Father reflects upon the relationship between justice and charity.  “Justice demands that the imbalance between those who have more than enough and those who lack the necessities be overcome; charity moves us to be attentive to others and to meet their needs rather than looking for justifications to defend our interests. Justice and charity are not opposed but both are necessary and complete each other.”

            Second, John the Baptist replies to the “publicans”, saying that they should not take more than is required.  The Holy Father notes that these public figures were not popular, due to their propensity to steal and take more taxes than were required of the people.  He further points out that John does not ask them to quit their jobs, “[John]...does not ask for exceptional actions, but first of all the honest performance of one's duties.  The first step towards eternal life is always the observance of the commandments, in this case the seventh: 'Do not steal' (Exodus 20:15)”.

            Thirdly, John makes a response to the soldiers.  These figures also held positions of power and were often found to abuse it.  John exhorts them to not to misuse their power and be content with their pay.  The Holy Father reflects, “Here, too, conversion begins with honesty and with respect for others: an instruction that holds good for everyone, especially those with greater responsibility”.

            Our Holy Father puts these key dialogues together, saying, “...from the moment that God will judge us according to our deeds, it is there, in our conduct, that we must show that we are following his will. And precisely for this reason the Baptist’s instructions are always relevant: even in our very complex world, things would go much better if everyone observed these rules of conduct. So let us pray to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, that he help us to prepare ourselves for Christmas bearing the good fruits of conversion (cf. Luke 3:8).”

Pope Benedict celebrates Holy Mass on Gaudete Sunday.

        Following the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted the different language groups represented as usual.  To the English-speaking peoples, he remarked his grief and sorrow concerning the school-shooting in Connecticut and promised his prayers and blessings for all those suffering, especially those who lost a child.  Let us all continue to pray with and for our fellow brothers and sisters during this time of mourning and grief.  Pope Benedict XVI urged us all to dedicate ourselves more fervently to prayer and peace.  

            Blessed Third Week of Advent!

Top image available from http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/pope-dismisses-december-doomsday-20121119-29l4q.html.
Image of John the Baptist available from http://www.wga.hu/index1.html
Third image available from http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-international-byo-24039.html

 

P.S. Here are some highlights from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  Some of our Sisters were able to attend the Holy Father's visit to the Spanish Steps here Rome (pictures below).  Pope Benedict said:

 

In Mary, in fact, that relationship with God that sin destroys is totally active and alive.  In her there is no opposition between God and her being: there is complete communion, complete understanding.  There is a reciprocal 'yes,' of God to her and of her to God.  Mary is free from sin because she is wholly of God, totally expropriated for him.  She is full of his grace, of his love.”

Concluding he told us that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception “expresses the certainty of faith that the promises of God are realized: that his covenant does not fail, but has produced a holy root, from which sprung the Fruit that is the most blessed of all the universe, Jesus the Savior.  Mary Immaculate demonstrates that grace is capable of bringing about a response, that God's fidelity is capable of generating a true and good faith”.