«Even in these days, Ukraine is hit by continuous attacks, which leave entire populations exposed to the cold of winter. I follow with pain what is happening, I am close and I pray for those who suffer. THEThe continuation of hostilities, with increasingly serious consequences for civilians, widens the fracture between peoples and distances a just and lasting peace. I invite everyone to further intensify efforts to put an end to this war.”
It is the appeal of Pope Leo XIV at the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square which invited us to pray for peace not only in Ukrainebut also «in Middle East and in every region where unfortunately people fight for interests that are not those of the people. Peace is built with respect for peoples”, reiterated the Pontiff.
In the catechesis before the Marian prayer, Leone focused on today’s Gospel in which, after receiving Baptism, Jesus begins his preaching and calls his first disciples Simon – known as Peter -, Andrew, James and John: «Looking closely at this scene from today’s Gospel, we can ask ourselves two questions: one on the time in which Jesus started the mission and the other on the place he chose to preach and call the apostles. Let’s ask ourselves: when does it start? where does it start?», the two questions of the Pope who continues: «First of all, the Evangelist tells us that Jesus began his preaching “when he learned that John had been arrested”. So it happens at a moment that doesn’t seem like the best one: the Baptist has just been arrested and therefore the leaders of the people are unwilling to welcome the news of the Messiah. This is a time that would suggest prudence, and instead precisely in this dark situation Jesus begins to bring the light of the good news: “The kingdom of heaven is near”.
The Youth Catholic Action Peace Caravan in St. Peter’s Square for the Pope’s Angelus
(HANDLE)
«Even in our personal and ecclesial life, sometimes due to internal resistance or circumstances that we do not consider favorable», the Pope underlined, «we think that it is not the right time to announce the Gospel, to make a decision, to make a choice, to change a situation. The risk, however, is to remain stuck in indecision or prisoners of excessive prudence, while the Gospel asks us to take the risk of trust: God is at work at all times and every moment is good for the Lord, even if we don’t feel ready or the situation doesn’t seem the best.”
The Pope then focused on a detail from the Gospel story which recalls the place from which Jesus began his public mission: “He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum”. «However, in Galilee there remains a territory inhabited mainly by pagans, which due to trade is also a land of passage and encounters», notes the Pope, «we could say a multicultural territory crossed by people with different origins and religious affiliations. In this way, the Gospel tells us that the Messiah comes from Israel, but goes beyond the borders of his own land to announce the God who is close to everyone, who does not exclude anyone, who did not come only for those who are pure but, rather, it mixes in situations and human relationships. We Christians too, therefore”, he explained, “must overcome the temptation to close ourselves off: the Gospel must in fact be announced and lived in every circumstance and in every environment, so that it may be the leaven of brotherhood and peace between people, between cultures, religions and peoples”.
After the Angelus, the Pope recalled that «this Sunday, the third of Ordinary Time, is the Sunday of the Word of God. Pope Francis established it seven years ago to promote throughout the Church the knowledge of Sacred Scripture and attention to the Word of God, in the Liturgy and in the life of the community. I thank and encourage those who commit themselves with faith and love to this priority goal.”
The Pope then recalled the anniversary of World Leprosy Day and expressed his «closeness to all people affected by this disease. I encourage the Italian Association of Friends of Raoul Follereau and those who care for leprosy patients, committing themselves to protecting their dignity.”
Finally, greetings to boys from the Catholic Action of Romeengaged with parents, educators and priests, at the Caravan for Peace: «Dear children and young people, I thank you because you help us adults to look at the world from another perspective: that of collaboration between different people and peoples», said the Pope, «thank you! Sbe peacemakers at home, at school, in sport, everywhere. Never be violent, neither with words nor with gestures. Never! Evil can only be overcome with good.”
The Pontiff recalled the appointment on Sunday afternoon in the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura (here the live broadcast starting at 5.30 pm) for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: «I will celebrate Vespers together with the representatives of the other Christian confessions. I thank those who will participate, also through the media, and I wish everyone a good Sunday.”
