VATICAN CITY, 17 JUL 2010 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, apostolic nuncio to Iraq and Jordan, as Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations in New York.
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Monday, July 19, 2010
THE WORD OF GOD GIVES MEANING TO DAILY ACTIVITY
VATICAN CITY, 18 JUL 2010 (VIS) - At midday today Benedict XVI appeared at the balcony overlooking the central courtyard of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered there.
Before the Marian prayer, the Pope reflected on this Sunday's Gospel reading which recounts Jesus' visit to the house of Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha busies herself with domestic chores and reproaches Mary for not lending a hand but sitting rapt at the Master's feet.
The Holy Father quoted Jesus' words in Luke's Gospel: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her", and he explained: "The words of Christ are very clear: they show no disdain for an active life, or for generous hospitality, but contain an evident reference to the fact that what is truly necessary is something else: to listen to the Word of the Lord. And in that moment the Lord is there, present in the Person of Jesus. All the rest will pass and be taken away from us, but the Word of God is eternal and gives meaning to our daily activities".
"This Gospel episode is highly appropriate for the holiday season because it recalls the fact that, although human beings must work and dedicate themselves to domestic and professional duties, above all they need God, Who is the inner light of Love and Truth. Without love, even the most important activities become valueless and bring no joy. Without profound meaning, all our actions are reduced to sterile and disordered activism.
"And who gives Love and Truth if not Jesus Christ?" the Holy Father asked. "Let us learn then, brothers and sisters, to help one another, to collaborate, but first and foremost together to chose the 'better part', which is and will always be our greatest good".
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Before the Marian prayer, the Pope reflected on this Sunday's Gospel reading which recounts Jesus' visit to the house of Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. Martha busies herself with domestic chores and reproaches Mary for not lending a hand but sitting rapt at the Master's feet.
The Holy Father quoted Jesus' words in Luke's Gospel: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her", and he explained: "The words of Christ are very clear: they show no disdain for an active life, or for generous hospitality, but contain an evident reference to the fact that what is truly necessary is something else: to listen to the Word of the Lord. And in that moment the Lord is there, present in the Person of Jesus. All the rest will pass and be taken away from us, but the Word of God is eternal and gives meaning to our daily activities".
"This Gospel episode is highly appropriate for the holiday season because it recalls the fact that, although human beings must work and dedicate themselves to domestic and professional duties, above all they need God, Who is the inner light of Love and Truth. Without love, even the most important activities become valueless and bring no joy. Without profound meaning, all our actions are reduced to sterile and disordered activism.
"And who gives Love and Truth if not Jesus Christ?" the Holy Father asked. "Let us learn then, brothers and sisters, to help one another, to collaborate, but first and foremost together to chose the 'better part', which is and will always be our greatest good".