Pope Urges Banks to Aid Families Hit by Financial Crises

(03 Dec 08 - RV) “Evil is not logical, it comes from the abuse of freedom” but “God is stronger, evil can be overcome”.

In his continuing lessons on St Paul this Wednesday Pope Benedict dwelt on the Apostle’s teaching on the relation between Adam, the first man, and Christ, the second Adam:

“Paul’s teaching on the sin of Adam and its disastrous consequences for the human family is meant to emphasize the surpassing gift of grace bestowed on humanity by Jesus Christ. Seen in this light, the doctrine of original sin explains the misery of our human condition, yet Paul also underlines the moral responsibility of each man and woman for this tragic reality. “All have sinned”, the Apostle tells us, “and all fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). Yet now, by faith in Christ, we have been justified and are at peace with God”

In comments in Italian, Pope Benedict developed this theme, reflecting on the apparent paradox of the existence of evil even if “the desire to do good” seems omnipresent; “even in politics where everyone claims to want to create a just world”. This contradiction, explained the Pope, is the sense of “original sin“ a concept that is still valid today even though some theological currents have their doubts. “The presence of evil in the human heart and in history is undeniable”, affirmed Pope Benedict.

“Christ, the new Adam, by his obedience to the Father’s will, has set mankind free from the ancient burden of sin and death. In Baptism, he has given us a share in his saving death and resurrection, and made us adoptive children of the Father. The new life and freedom which we have received by the grace of Christ impels us to bear witness to the sure hope that all creation will be freed from its bondage to corruption, and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God”.

Then in his greeting to separate language groups, the Pope reflected on solidarity to those homes and families worst hit by the current economic crises. In greeting a group of Italian Bankers he said: “This period of difficulty for so many families gives me the opportunity to highlight one of the primary objectives of banking institutes, that is solidarity towards societies weakest and support for small companies”.

Concluding Pope Benedict invited pilgrims to pray that Christ come in this Advent season to overcome violence, injustice and help us become makers of peace.