Pope's Angelus appeal for Road Safety

(16 Nov 08 - RV) During his Angelus today, Pope Benedict appealed for road safety and reflected on this Sunday's Gospel...

During his weekly Angelus from the Papal Apartments overlooking St Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict reflected on this Sunday’s Gospel which recounts the famous parable of the talents.

This piece of scripture tells the story of a master who gives his three servants different amounts of money before going on a journey. On his return he commends the one who has made the best use of this money or talent and berates the others who fail to let their talents bear fruit.
Pope Benedict explained that this parable has become popular because it shows how we are called to nurture the gifts we are given.
The Holy Father went on to say that Jesus represents the master and the servants his disciples and the talents are the riches that Christ left us as his inheritance
The parable, said the Pope, demonstrates that we should be happy with the gifts we have received and they should not be hidden away with fear but utilized so that they in time bear fruit.


Continuing his reflections on this parable Pope Benedict said that its message above all is that Christians should welcome the Kingdom of God as a gift and not fear it like the servant who is afraid of his masters return.

After the Angelus prayer the Holy Father issued an appeal for road users around the world urging them to take extra care.
 On this third Sunday of November, we remember in a special way all those who have died as a result of traffic accidents. We pray for their eternal rest and for the consolation of their families who grieve their loss. Dear brothers and sisters, I implore everyone - drivers, passengers and pedestrians - to heed carefully the words of Saint Paul in the Liturgy of the Word today: “stay sober and alert”. Our behavior on the roads should be characterized by responsibility, consideration and a respect for others. May the Virgin Mary lead us safely along streets and highways throughout the world.
The Pope also reminded those gathered that next Friday the 21 of November was the Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple and also a day of prayer for the communities of cloistered religious who Pope Benedict described as indispensable to the church and to the world.