Pope's Sunday 'Angelus' on angels, families in economic crisis

(March 2, 2009) The angels are a significant part of the Gospel and we should call upon them often, says Pope Benedict XVI. He made the observation on the first Sunday of Lent before praying the traditional weekly ‘angelus’ at midday with crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square. Reflecting on Sunday’s Gospel reading, the Holy Father noted how St. Mark tells of the angels ministering to Christ as he was tempted in the desert. "He, who did not sin and cannot sin, submits himself to trial and thus can have compassion for our infirmities," the Pontiff said. Mentioning the role of the angels in the Bible, the Pope observed, "we would take away a significant part of the Gospel if we left aside these beings sent by God to announce his presence among us and be a sign of that presence." He urged all to "call upon them often, that they sustain us in the task of following Jesus to the point of identifying ourselves with him."
After the ‘Angelus’ prayer Pope Benedict encouraged political leaders and industrialists to make workers and their families the priority during the economic crisis. Fiat autoworkers from southern Italy, worried about the future of their factory, were in the crowd. Thinking about other parts of Italy such as Sardinia and Tuscany the Pope expressed his closeness with the families in similar situations and entrusted them to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph the patron of workers. The pope said he wants to encourage political and civil leaders as well as industrialists to work together to confront what he called a “delicate moment.” He said strong, joint efforts are needed, but that they must keep in mind that the priority must be workers and their families.
Pope Benedict also spoke to English-speaking pilgrims among the crowd in St. Peter's Square.
Listen:
I am happy to greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Angelus prayer. On this First Sunday of Lent, the Gospel of Saint Mark speaks of Jesus being lead into the desert by the Holy Spirit, tempted by Satan and assisted by the angels. Let us pray that our Lenten journey will strengthen us in the struggle against all forms of temptation. Upon all of you I invoke God’s abundant blessings, and I wish you a pleasant Sunday and a happy stay in Rome!