Pope Francis says we must understand Jesus for who He is, namely He who responds to our hearts’ yearnings, and not misunderstand him as judge or commander.
During his Angelus address today at noon to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis stressed this as he reflected on today’s Gospel which recounts the miracle Jesus worked at the wedding at Cana.
Jesus, the Pope reminded the faithful, does not come to us «as a judge ready to condemn our sins,» nor «as a commander that requires us to blindly follow His orders.»
Rather, he underscored,“He manifests himself as the Savior of humanity, as a brother, as our big brother, Son of the Father: as the One who responds to the expectations and promises of joy that dwell in the heart of each of us.»
Given this, Francis invited those gathered, to ask themselves whether they really know the Lord in this way, and called on them to acknowledge the fact that Jesus is asking us to make space for Him in our hearts.
«We can ask ourselves: Do I really know the Lord like this? Do I feel Him next to me, in my life?» he asked.
In Jesus’ wedding miracle at Cana, he explained, we learn that each human person is called to meet the Lord in his or her life.
For the couple, Francis observed, we not only see how Jesus imparts this blessing on their marriage, but also learn that, “Love between man and woman is a good way in which to live the Gospel and with which to undertake with joy the path towards holiness.”
Post Angelus Appeals, Prayers
After reciting the midday prayer, the Pontiff urged migrants and refugees to not be robbed of hope and joy, despite their difficulties.
He told them to not allow difficulties “to deprive them of this hope and of the joy of life that derive from experiencing divine mercy, thanks also to those who welcome you and help you.”
Francis also thanked–and encouraged all faithful present to thank–inmates of a detention center in Milan who made the hosts for the Mass that would be celebrated this afternoon in St. Peter’s Basilica, dedicated specifically to migrants and refugees.
Moreover, the Holy Father prayed for the victims of the deadly attacks this week in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
“May the Lord,» the Pope prayed, «welcome them into His house, and support the commitment of the international community to build peace. Let us pray to the Virgin Mary: Hail Mary….»
Pope Francis concluded, wishing all those gathered a good Sunday, a good lunch, and reminding them to pray for him.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Translation: http://zenit.org/articles/angelus-address-jan-17-on-accepting-miracles/
