Vatican City (CNS) — The best way to truly start a ‘new’ year is to stop waiting for things to naturally get better and instead recognize what is essential and help others Pope Francis said to reach out now to help
“Today, at the beginning of the year, instead of stopping and hoping things will change, we need to ask ourselves, ‘Where do we want to go this year? who can i help? ‘ he said.
“So many people in church and society are waiting for you and the good that only you can do. They are waiting for your help.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was the chief officiant at the altar, while Pope Francis presided over the liturgy and preached at St. Peter’s Basilica.
In his sermon, the Pope explained how Catholics start the New Year by contemplating the motherhood of Mary, who “blesses us and brings us the tender love of God incarnate.” I thought about
“Mary gives us hope. Just as the earth needs rain, so do we at the beginning of the year.”
Pope Francis asked people to pray to Mary to accompany the late Pope Benedict XVI on his journey “from this world to God”. And after Mass, before leading the recitation of the Angelus Prayer, His Holiness said that the people should “be of one heart and of one soul, to give thanks to God for the gift of the Gospel and for this faithful servant of the Church.” and give thanks to God as one.” She died on December 31st.
During Mass, the prayers of the believers included a petition for the Lord to “welcome him kindly into the kingdom of light and peace.”
In his sermon, His Holiness said to the people, “For her sons and daughters who have suffered and no longer have the strength to pray, and for the many brothers and sisters around the world who are victims of war, may these holidays be celebrated. I have asked Mary to pray, in darkness and cold, in poverty and fear, in violence and indifference!”
He said God wants to bring peace to people’s homes, hearts and the world. ”I must go see the Lord.
“If we want to welcome God and His peace, we cannot be complacent and wait for things to get better. and have to take risks.”
“Today, in the apathy that dulls our senses, the indifference that numbs our minds, the temptation to waste time glued to the keyboard in front of our computer screen, the shepherd tells us to leave. We invite you to join our world, to get our hands dirty and to do something good,” he said.
The Pope said that with the start of the new year, people need to get away from their busy lives and approach God “to hear his words, to pray, to worship and praise him”. I said yes.
He added that making time for what really matters includes making time for others. For example, listen to others, especially older people, and “talk to children and ask how they are actually doing, not just about studying,” he added. rice field. Or their health.
In Angelus’ post-Mass address, the Pope said that Mary reminds believers that: egoism.
People must “learn the language of love. It is to take care of our lives, our time and our souls. Take care of creation and the environment in which we live.” And moreover, to take care of our neighbors whom the Lord has placed by our side, our brothers and sisters in need, our brothers and sisters who seek our attention and consideration,” he said.
Read more Vatican News
Copyright © 2023 Catholic News Service/Conference of Catholic Bishops of America
Print
