Pope Benedict XVI urges worshippers to listen to the Word of God in life’s darker moments.

(March 13, 2006) : Pope Benedict XVI reminded thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday before the angelus that Lent, the period before Easter was a time especially dedicated to listening to the Lord, who always speaks to us. Pope specified listening to him in his Word, preserved in the Holy Scripture and also listening to him in the very events of our lives, in our brothers, especially the lowly and the poor, in who Jesus himself asks for our concrete love. “Human existence is a journey of faith and, as such, it progresses more in twilight than in full light, and is not without moments of shadows and even pitch darkness,” said the Pontiff. “While we are down here, our relationship with God unfolds more in listening than in vision; and contemplation takes place, so to speak, with closed eyes, thanks to the inner light lit in us by the Word of God.” Turning to Sunday’s Gospel about the transfiguration of Jesus, the Pope said there were moments in life when “for a moment, one has a foretaste of what heavenly bliss will be like. These are usually brief experiences, which God concedes to us at times, especially in view of hard trials.” In daily life, listening to Jesus, as Mary did, and obeying his voice: this is the royal road, the only one which leads to the fullness of joy and love,” the Pope added. After praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims in eight languages. In English, he said: I am happy to greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today's Angelus, especially the group of pilgrims from Ontario, Canada. On this second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of St. Mark presents to us an account of the Transfiguration. God the Father instructs us to listen to Jesus, his beloved Son. Let us pray that our Lenten journey will open our hearts to Christ and his saving message! He leads us through his suffering and death, to a share in his glorious resurrection. Upon all of you I invoke God's abundant blessings and wish you a good Sunday!