CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 8, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address John Paul II delivered today before reciting the Angelus with thousand of pilgrims gathered at the papal summer residence.
* * *
1. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says to his disciples: «Again, … I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father» (Matthew 18:19). These words, received with faith, fill the heart with hope. God is a merciful Father, who listens to the prayers of his children.
When believers pray, they move God’s heart, for whom nothing is impossible. As I wrote in the apostolic letter «Novo Millennio Ineunte,» it is necessary for them to be distinguished «in the art of prayer» (No. 32), so that all Christian communities will become «authentic schools of prayer» (No. 33).
2. Unfortunately, we are often exposed to vicissitudes and tragic events, which sow disconcert and anxiety in public opinion. Modern man seems to be sure of himself and yet, especially on critical occasions, he must come to terms with his powerlessness: He feels his incapacity to act and, consequently, lives in uncertainty and fear. The secret to face not only emergencies but exhaustion and personal and social problems day after day is in prayer, made in faith. Whoever prays does not get discouraged, not even in the face of the most serious difficulties, because he feels God by his side and finds refuge, serenity and peace in his open arms. Then, in opening the heart to the love of God, it also opens to love of brothers, and makes it capable of constructing history according to the divine plan.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, may education in prayer become a decisive point of all pastoral programs («Novo Millennio Ineunte,» No. 34). It is very important to pray every day, personally and as a family. May prayer, and prayer together, be the daily breath of families, parishes and the whole community.
3. [John Paul II then greeted pilgrims in French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and Italian. In English, he said:]
I am pleased to greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present for this Angelus prayer. Upon you and your families I cordially invoke the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[He resumed in Italian here:]
4. May Mary help us to understand the great value of prayer, the intimate union of the soul with God. Today we celebrate the mystery of her Nativity, for which Christian people have always felt a lively devotion. Let us ask the Holy Virgin to open our hearts to greater confidence in the Lord, who worked great wonders in her, the humble and docile handmaid.
[Translation by ZENIT]
