Vatican City, 6 July 2014 (VIS) –
“Jesus invites us, saying 'Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest'”, said the Pope this morning,
as he appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with
the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. “Jesus' words always
give hope”, he continued. “This invitation extends to many
brothers and sisters today, oppressed by poor living conditions,
difficult life situations and, at times, with no valid points of
reference”.
“In the poorest countries, and also
in the peripheral areas of the richest, there are many people who are
weary and exhausted under the unbearable weight of abandonment and
indifference,” he said. “Indifference: who much damage human
indifference causes to those in need! And the indifference of
Christians is worse. At the margins of society there are many men and
women who are sorely tested by poverty, but also by dissatisfaction
and frustration. Many are compelled to emigrate at risk of their own
lives. Many more every day, bear the weight of an economic system
that exploits man, and imposes an unbearable 'yoke' upon them that
the privileged few do not want to carry. To each of these sons of the
Father who is in heaven, Jesus says, 'Come to me, all of you'".
Pope Francis added that Jesus address
his invitation to all, even those “who possess everything” but
whose hearts are “empty and without God”. “The invitation to
come to Jesus is for everyone, but especially for those who suffer
the most. Jesus promises to give solace to all, but also addresses a
second invitation to us, which is like a commandment: ‘Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart’. The
Lord's 'yoke' consists of sustaining the weight of others with
brotherly love. Once the solace and comfort of Christ is received, we
are called in turn to become solace and comfort for our brothers,
with a meek and humble attitude, in imitation of the Master. This
meekness and humility of heart helps us not only to take on the
weight of others, but also to not impose upon them our own personal
views, our judgements, our criticism and our indifference”.
The Holy Father concluded by greeting
the faithful and commented that this year the Church commemorates the
centenary of the death of St. Pius X. He also thanked the people of
Molise for their warm welcome during his pastoral visit on Saturday.
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