Pope Benedict XVI Address to the Children of Italian Catholic Action

(December 19, 2009) “You too are children like Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree because he wanted to see Jesus, but the Lord, looking up, noticed him immediately. Jesus sees and hears you even though you are small,” said Pope Benedict XVI. He was speaking to the Children of Italian Catholic action in Rome on the 19^th of December as they came to greet him at Christmas time. The Pontiff referred to the theme on which they concentrated this year namely "We are on air" to put them in touch with Jesus and with others, having as a reference to the biblical image of Zacchaeus, who met the Lord and greeted him with joy. The Pope then encouraged the children saying, “Jesus not only sees you, but you tune on your air, he will be with each of you to establish a strong friendship. He was born in Bethlehem and being close to the boys and people of all times, even to each one of us.” He called on them to imitate the example of Zacchaeus who came down the tree, joyfully welcomed him into his house and to have meal with him. In the same way they should welcome Jesus into their life every day, between games and between commitments, prayers, the moments when they are happy and when they are afraid. At Christmas time said the Pope, once again Jesus comes to call them into friendship. He will always talk about immense love, to make them capable of giving themselves without limit, to bring peace and forgiveness. As the Holy Father wished them for the Christmas feast he said: “Jesus never forgets you. If you say every day that "you are on the air," certainly expect that he will call to send a message of friendship and affection. He does it when you attend the Santa when you are dedicated to the study, to your daily commitments and know when to make gestures of sharing, solidarity, generosity and love toward others.”