Pope's Sunday 'Angelus' on angels, families in economic crisis
(March 2, 2009) The angels are a significant part of the Gospel and we should call
upon them often, says Pope Benedict XVI. He made the observation on the first Sunday
of Lent before praying the traditional weekly ‘angelus’ at midday with crowds gathered
in St. Peter's Square. Reflecting on Sunday’s Gospel reading, the Holy Father noted
how St. Mark tells of the angels ministering to Christ as he was tempted in the desert.
"He, who did not sin and cannot sin, submits himself to trial and thus can have compassion
for our infirmities," the Pontiff said. Mentioning the role of the angels in the
Bible, the Pope observed, "we would take away a significant part of the Gospel if
we left aside these beings sent by God to announce his presence among us and be a
sign of that presence." He urged all to "call upon them often, that they sustain us
in the task of following Jesus to the point of identifying ourselves with him." After
the ‘Angelus’ prayer Pope Benedict encouraged political leaders and industrialists
to make workers and their families the priority during the economic crisis. Fiat
autoworkers from southern Italy, worried about the future of their factory, were in
the crowd. Thinking about other parts of Italy such as Sardinia and Tuscany the Pope
expressed his closeness with the families in similar situations and entrusted them
to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph the patron of workers. The pope said he wants to
encourage political and civil leaders as well as industrialists to work together to
confront what he called a “delicate moment.” He said strong, joint efforts are needed,
but that they must keep in mind that the priority must be workers and their families.
Pope Benedict also spoke to English-speaking pilgrims among the crowd in St. Peter's
Square. Listen: I am happy
to greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Angelus prayer. On
this First Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of Saint Mark speaks of Jesus being lead into
the desert by the Holy Spirit, tempted by Satan and assisted by the angels. Let us
pray that our Lenten journey will strengthen us in the struggle against all forms
of temptation. Upon all of you I invoke God’s abundant blessings, and I wish you
a pleasant Sunday and a happy stay in Rome!