2012-12-17 16:15:22

Pope visits Rome parish


December 17, 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday spoke about the certainty we have in faith that the Lord is present, regardless of how circumstances might appear to cause mistrust, sadness, and even despair. The Pope said this at a Mass Sunday morning at St. Patrick’s parish church at Colle Prenestino, on the eastern outskirts of Rome. The Holy Father, who is Bishop of Rome said the presence of the Lord is by itself enough to brighten and gladden hearts. He reminded the faithful that it is Jesus, who brings salvation to humanity: a new relationship with God that triumphs over evil and death, and that is the true joy, “for this presence of the Lord who comes to enlighten our path, though this is often overwhelmed at present by the darkness of selfishness.” The Pope also reminded the parishioners of St. Patrick’s that the Lord always listens to us, even when we turn away from Him through sin - He never rejects our prayers. “Although He does not always respond as we might want,” Pope Benedict said, “God nevertheless responds.” Pope Benedict spoke of God not as distant, but as Emmanuel - God with us - a God with us in the Holy Eucharist, with us in the living Church. We must be carriers of this presence of God, and we must respond to His gifts with grateful love. The Holy Father further explained that one who welcomes the gifts of God in a selfish way, does not find true joy. Rather, it is the one who takes occasion by the gifts received from God to love Him with sincere gratitude and to communicate to others his love, who has a heart full of joy.”







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