Pope Angelus: May God transform our desires into great works of love
During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Benedict spoke about the parables of Christ in the
day’s Gospel. The parable of the seed that grows while the farmer sleeps “refers to
the mystery of creation and redemption, the fruitful work of God in history.” In the
parable, the Pope said, the final harvest reminds us of the full realization of God’s
Kingdom at the end of time. “The present time is the time of sowing, and the Lord
ensures the growth of the seed. Every Christian, then, knows that he must do all he
can, but that the final results depend on God. This knowledge will sustain his daily
labours, especially in difficult situations.” In his remarks to English speaking
pilgrims, the Holy Father highlighted the Lord’s parable of the mustard seed: “In
today’s Gospel,” he said, “the Lord teaches us that God’s kingdom is like a tiny mustard
seed which becomes the largest of shrubs. Let us fervently pray that God may take
our weak but sincere desires and transform them into great works of love for him and
our neighbour.”
After leading the crowds in the recitation of the Angelus,
Pope Benedict noted the upcoming, UN-sponsored World Refugee Day, taking place Wednesday
June 20. The day is dedicated to calling attention to “the conditions of many people,
especially families, forced to flee their lands, because of threats of armed conflicts
and serious forms of violence.” The Holy Father assured refugees of his prayers and
of his constant concern for them, and expressed the hope that their rights would be
respected and that they would be quickly reunited with their families.
The
Pope also spoke about the International Eucharistic Congress, concluding today in
Dublin, Ireland. Reflecting on the presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the altar,
he said “In the mystery of the Eucharist Jesus wanted to stay with us, for us to enter
into communion with Him and among ourselves.”
Finally, Pope Benedict joyfully
called to mind the beatification of Eusepi Cecilia, taking place Sunday afternoon.
Eusepi, who died at the age of 18, “lived with unwavering faith, displaying great
ability to offer sacrifices for the salvation of souls.” The Holy Father recalled
that “in the last days of her life, in profound union with Christ Crucified, she repeated
‘It is good to give oneself for Christ, who has given everything for us’.”
Finally,
the Holy Father greeted pilgrims and visitors from around the world in various languages,
wishing them a happy Sunday, and leaving them with his “abundant blessing.”