2012-12-17 16:11:50

Pope's Sunday 'Angelus' on US massacre. John the Baptist's lessons on Advent


December 17, 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday reiterated his pain over Friday’s killing in the United States of 26 people, including 20 schoolchildren, by a gunman and prayed for the consolation of the victims' families. "I was deeply saddened by Friday's senseless violence in Newtown, Connecticut," the pontiff told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square before reciting the midday “Angelus” prayer with them on the third Sunday in Advent. "I assure the families of the victims, especially those who lost a child, of my closeness in prayer. May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain." "Upon those affected by this tragedy, and upon each of you, I invoke God's abundant blessings!" the Pope said in English. A 20-year-old gunman identified as Adam Lanza forced his way into the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown on Dec. 14, and shot dead six adult women, and 12 girls and eight boys aged six and seven years old, before killing himself.
Earlier on Saturday, a condolence message on behalf of Pope Benedict was sent to the Diocese of Bridgeport, whose jurisdiction include Newtown. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent the message conveying the Holy Father’s heartfelt grief and the assurance of his closeness in prayer to the victims and their families, and to all affected by the shocking event. The Pope prayed for God’s consolation on all those mourning their dead and support to the entire community with the spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love.
Before reciting the midday "Angelus" on Sunday, the Pope reflected on the figure of John the Baptist as presented in the day’s Gospel. The Pope demonstrated how John’s tough exhortation to people in preparation for the coming of the Messiah has great relevance in our days. Speaking about one who has two cloaks to share it with one who has none, the Pope said it speaks about the criterion of justice, enlivened by charity. Justice asks us to overcome the imbalance between those who have the superfluous and those who lack basic necessities; charity urges us to be careful of one another, to reach out to others and meet their needs, instead of finding excuses to defend our own interests. Justice and charity are not opposed, but both are necessary and complement each other. "Love will always be necessary, even in the most just society," because "there will always be situations of material need where help is indispensable in the form of concrete love of neighbor".
Regarding John’s advice to tax-collectors of not exacting more than what has been fixed the Pope said it reminds us of the commandment against stealing and of honest fulfillment of one’s duties. About John’s advice to soldiers, the Holy Father spoke about abuse of power. The Pope said conversion begins with honesty and respect for others, an indication that applies to everyone, especially those with greater responsibility.
After the Marian prayer, Benedict XVI appealed for the families of the capital to give hospitality to young people who will arrive in Rome from 28 December to 2 January for the European meeting organized by the Taizé Community. "I thank the families - said the pope - who, according to Roman tradition of hospitality, have made themselves available to accommodate these young people. Because, thanks to God, the demands are higher than expected, I renew the appeal already addressed to parishes, so that other families, with great simplicity, can enjoy this beautiful experience of Christian fellowship".
Finally, during his greetings in Italian, the Pope welcomed the children of Rome, in St Peter's Square for the traditional blessing of the statues of Baby Jesus, which will be placed in the manger on Christmas Eve, "Beloved children, - he said - as I bless the little statues of Jesus that you will put in your nativity scene, I cordially bless each of you and your families, as well as educators and the Roman Oratory Centers. "








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