By Junno Arocho
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 26, 2012 (Zenit.org).- In his Sunday Angelus Address, Pope Benedict XVI called on the faithful to «contemplate on the Lordship of the Risen Savior.» The Holy Father addressed his words at the end of the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King. Also concelebrating at the mass were the six new cardinals created on Saturday’s Consistory.
Recalling the words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem on the second coming of the Lord, Pope Benedict said that Jesus’ mission was to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of Heaven among men. «This Kingdom of Christ has been entrusted to the Church, which is the «seed» and «beginning» and has the task of announcing it and spreading it among all the nations with the power of the Holy Spirit,» the Pope said.
«At the end of the determined time the Lord will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father and will present to him all who have lived by the commandment of love.»
The Holy Father called on the faithful to «prolong the salvific work of God» and to follow Christ the King who came not to be serve but to serve. The Pope also invited all to pray especially for the new cardinals so they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Saying that the new princes of the Church represent the universal dimension of the Church, the Holy Father invoked the protection of the Blessed Virgin on them and those who have been entrusted in their service.
«May the Virgin help all of us to live this present time in expectation of the Lord’s return, fervently imploring God: “Thy Kingdom Come,” and doing those works of light that bring us ever closer to heaven, aware that, in the tormenting vicissitudes of history, God continues to build his Kingdom of love,» the Holy Father said.
Following the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Benedict greeted the pilgrims who were present in various languages. The Holy Father also gave thanks to God for the life and witness of Sr. Maria Troncatti, a sister of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who was proclaimed Blessed on Saturday in Macas, Ecuador.
Concluding his Angelus address, Pope Benedict XVI called on those present to contemplate on the coming of the Savior. «Today, on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Church invites us to contemplate the Lordship of the Risen Savior and to pray for the coming of his Kingdom. May Christ’s peace always reign in your hearts!» the Pope said.
