VATICAN CITY, APRIL 23, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is affirming that the Gospel virtue of obedience stems from interior communion with God, and is urging families to share this «essential» value with society.
The Pope said this today during the homily of a Mass with organizers of January’s World Meeting of Families, which took place in Mexico City.
The Mass, celebrated by the Pontiff in the «Redemptoris Mater» Chapel of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, was also attended by Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, and Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, archbishop of Mexico City.
Quoting St. Peter, who said, «We must obey God rather than any human authority,» the Holy Father told his listeners, «The Word of God speaks to us of an obedience that is not mere subjection, nor simply an obeying of orders, rather it arises from an intimate communion with God and consists in an interior vision capable of discerning that which comes from on high and is above everything.»
He added, «It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit which God grants without measure.»
Benedict XVI affirmed: «Our contemporaries need to discover this obedience, which is not theoretical but essential.
«It means opting for specific forms of behavior which are based on obedience to God’s will and which make us fully free.
«Christian families, with their domestic, simple and joyful lives, in which day by day they share their joys, hopes and concerns, and live in the light of faith, are schools of obedience and environments of true freedom. They know this well who over many years have enjoyed marriage in accordance with God’s plan, […] experiencing the goodness of the Lord who helps and encourages us.»
Before continuing the Mass, the Pope emphasized that «Christ is truly present in the Eucharist,» and he is the «bread that comes down from on high» to strengthen us and «help us face the effort and fatigue of the road.» The Pontiff added, «He is on our side.»
