Monday, July 7, 2014

ANGELUS: JESUS INVITES US TO FOLLOW HIM


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.


No comments:

Post a Comment