Pope Francis says the rosary, in many ways, is the “synthesis of the history of God’s mercy,” but that far from removing us from life’s problems it “demands that we immerse ourselves in the history of each day, so as to grasp the signs of Christ’s presence in our midst.”
The Pope said this Saturday evening as he celebrated a Vigil for today’s Marian Jubilee in the context of the Year of Mercy. This morning he celebrated Mass for the jubilee.
Saturday’s reflection centered on the rosary, which the Pope said asks us to “reflect on how God comes into our own lives, so as to be able to welcome him and follow him.”
“We are disciples, but also missionaries,” he reflected, “bringing Christ wherever he asks us to be present.”
The gift of his presence shouldn’t be kept to ourselves: “On the contrary, we are called to share with everyone his love, his tenderness, his goodness and his mercy.”
Thank you
Then at today’s Mass, the Pope underlined Mary’s example as a woman of gratitude.
Drawing from today’s reading about the 10 lepers who Jesus healed, and the one who returned to thank him, the Holy Father invited the faithful to ask, “Are we capable of saying, ‘Thank you?’”
“How many times do we say ‘Thank you’ in our family, our community, and in the Church? […] Often we take everything for granted! This also happens with God,” he said, noting that it is easy to ask the Lord for something, but returning to give thanks is another matter.
But in this effort, Mary is a model, Francis said.
“After hearing the message of the Angel, she lifted up her heart in a song of praise and thanksgiving to God: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord…'”
“Let us ask Our Lady to help us recognize that everything is God’s gift, and to be able to say ‘Thank you,’” he invited. “Then our joy will be complete.”
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On ZENIT’s web page:
Full text of meditation from Saturday’s vigil: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-meditation-at-marian-jubilee-vigil/
Full text of homily from today’s Mass: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-for-marian-jubilee/
