“In this jubilee year I renew the appeal, especially to the governors of Christian faith, so that the maximum commitment to negotiations is put to end all the ongoing conflicts”.
At the Angelus the appeal for peace of Pope Francis who invites you to pray for the end of the conflicts «in the batteried Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, North Kivu“And reiterates” regarding the primary value of human life “, the” no to war “which, underlines, «Destroises, destroys everything, destroys life, induces to despise it. And let’s not forget that war always is a defeat “.
It is the Sunday of the feast of the presentation of Jesus in the temple, popularly called Candelora, which falls 40 days after Christmas, and in Italy the Day of life. The pontiff recalls this anniversary: «I join the Italian bishops in expressing gratitude to the many families who willingly welcome the gift of life and In encouraging young couples not to be afraid to put the world of children», Francesco said wishes to the Movement for life who turns 50.
Francesco also recalls that the Vatican will be held on Monday 3 February International Summit on children’s rights entitled “We love them and protect them” “that I have had the joy of promoting and I will participate”, he adds, underlining that “it is a unique opportunity to bring the most urgent issues that concern everyone’s life to the center of attention of the world”.
In the reflection before the Marian prayer, Francesco comments on the song of today’s Gospel of Luca who tells of Mary and Joseph who bring the Child Jesus to the temple of Jerusalem: «According to the law they present him in the home of God, to remember that life comes from Lord », underlines the Pope,” and while the Holy Family performs what in the people of Israel always was done, from generation to generation, something happens that had never happened. Two elderly people, Simeone and Anna, prophesy regarding Jesus: praise God and speak of the child “to those who expected the redemption of Jerusalem”. Their moved voices resonate among the old stones of the temple, announcing the fulfillment of the expectations of Israel. God is really present in the midst of his people: not because he lives in four walls, but because he lives as a man among men. In the old age of Simeone and Anna the novelty that changes the history of the world happens. For their part, Mary and Joseph “were amazed at the things that were said to be” of Jesus ».
The pontiff focuses on the figure of the old prophet Simeone who welcomes Jesus: «When Simeone takes the child in his arms, he calls him in three beautiful ways, which deserve a reflection. Jesus is salvation; Jesus is light; Jesus is a sign of contradiction»Says Francesco who explains the meaning of these three definitions:« First of all this child is salvation. So says Simeone, praying God: “My eyes have seen your salvation, prepared by you in front of all peoples”. This always leaves us amazed: the universal salvation concentrated in one! Yes, because in Jesus he lives all the fullness of God, of his love. Second aspect: Jesus is “light to illuminate the people” », continues the Pope,” as the sun that arises on the world, this child will redeem him from the darkness of evil, pain and death. How much we need, even today, of this light! Finally, the child embraced by Simeone is a sign of contradiction “so that the thoughts of many hearts are revealed”.
Jesus, the Pope still says. “It reveals the criterion for judging all the history and its drama, and also the life of each of us. This criterion is love: those who love lives, who hates dies. Illuminated by the encounter with Jesus, we can then ask ourselves: I, what do I await in my life? What is my great hope? Does my heart want to see the face of the Lord? I wait for the manifestation of your salvation design for humanity? Let’s pray together Mary, pure Mother “, concludes the Pope,” because he accompanies us in the lights and shadows of history, meeting the Lord “.
