ANGELUS: THE KINGDOM OF GOD REWARDS HUMILITY AND MODESTY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 2, 2001 (VIS) - From the balcony of the inner courtyard of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo, John Paul II recited the Angelus at 12 noon today with the faithful and pilgrims present.

The Pope recalled that in September work, social life and scholastic activity resume their normal rhythm. "In this context," he said, "a Biblical expression from the Book of Sirach which we hear in today's liturgy is particularly significant: 'My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so that you will find favor in the sight of the Lord'."

"A clearly counter-current expression is used" he continued. "The mentality of the world, in fact, urges distinction, getting ahead, perhaps with cunning and without scruples, affirming oneself and one's own interests. In the Kingdom of God modesty and humility are rewarded. On the contrary, ambition and arrogance are often favored in earthly affairs; the consequences are evident to all: rivalry, abuses of power, frustrations."

The Holy Father went on to emphasize that Christ, "the Son of God made man, consistently followed the path of humility, spending the majority of His earthly existence in the hiddenness of Nazareth, close to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, engaged in the work of a carpenter."

"In this way," the Holy Father affirmed, "He wanted to say to the men of every age that superficiality and ambition, even if they achieve some immediate success, do not however build up the true good of man and society. The Kingdom of God, in fact, is effectively prepared by the people who carry out their activity in a serious and honest way, not aspiring to things too high, but submitting themselves, with daily faithfulness, to humble things."

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