CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 2, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Superficiality and social climbing do not constitute the real good of man and society, says John Paul II.
Such advice, the Pope acknowledged, goes «clearly against the tide.» He delivered it today when he met with several thousand pilgrims in the courtyard of the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, before praying the midday Angelus.
Quoting St. Paul, the Holy Father said that «the Kingdom of God is effectively prepared by people who carry out their work seriously and honestly, not aspiring to things that are too high, but turning, in daily faithfulness, to those that are lowly.»
The «mentality of the world pushes one to stand out, to get ahead, with shrewdness and without scruples, asserting oneself and one´s own interests,» the Pope continued.
The «consequences can be seen by all: rivalries, abuses, frustrations,» the Holy Father. The Kingdom of God, on the contrary, rewards «meekness and humility,» he said.
Therefore, the Holy Father urged Christians to enlighten their life with the Word of God, which «helps us to see things in the right way, … that of eternity.»
The proof of this was given by Jesus himself, who «went consistently on the way of humility, spending the greater part of his earthly life in the hiddenness of Nazareth, next to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, doing the work of a carpenter.»
Herein lies the secret, the Bishop of Rome concluded, «so that every activity, professional or in the home, may be done in an atmosphere of genuine humanity, thanks to the humble and active contribution of everyone.»
