Pope's Sunday 'Angelus' of Sept. 20

(September 21, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday urged Christians to seek true wisdom and knowledge, which means rejecting lies and the “violence of intentions” which are so widespread in today’s society. Such a principle “applies to everyone, first of all, to those who are called to promote and ‘weave’ together peace among religious communities and civilians, in social and political relationships and in international relations.” The Pope was addressing pilgrims at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, before reciting the traditional weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer. Commenting on the Letter of St. James from Sundays’ liturgy, the Holy Father noted that false wisdom is "worldly, material and diabolical, and is recognized by the fact that it provokes jealousies, arguments, disorder and every kind of evil deed," whereas " true wisdom, which comes from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, meek, docile, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." The Pope said that James lists "seven qualities, according to the biblical custom, from which perfection of authentic wisdom comes, along with the positive effects that it produces." "As first and principal quality, almost the premise for the others, St. James sets down 'purity,' that is, sanctity, the transparent reflection, so to say, of God in the human soul," he said. He therefore invited all to draw from this unpolluted source of God’s love the wisdom of the heart, which cleanses us from the filth of lies and egoism. The Pope regretted that in our day and age, we often see little respect paid to the truth and one’s word, as well as strong tendencies towards aggressiveness, hatred and vengeance.After reciting the ‘Angelus’ prayer, Pope Benedict drew attention to the tragic news of both military and civilian deaths and injury that come to us almost on a daily basis from the numerous conflicts around the world. “These are facts that we must never get used to, and they arouse a profound outcry and perplex societies that have the good of peace and civil coexistence at heart," he said. The Holy Father mentioned in particular the deaths of six Italian soldiers who were killed in a car bomb attack on Thursday in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Pope had at heart “other international contingents, “which have also recently had victims and that work to promote peace and the development of the institutions so necessary for human coexistence.” He encouraged the promotion of solidarity among the nations to fight the logic of violence and death, favour justice, reconciliation, peace and sustain the development of peoples beginning with love and mutual understanding. As Italy buried its dead on Monday, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent a message on the Pope’s behalf, expressing the Holy Father’s heartfelt condolences and closeness with the families, communities and the entire nation. The prelate said the pope was deeply pained by the terrorist attack in Kabul.
At the ‘Angelus’, Pope Benedict also urged the faithful to accompany him with their prayers as he starts a 3-day pastoral visit to the Czech Republic on Saturday. The Pope said that after going through the tragedies of the last century, the Czech Republic which lies in the heart of Europe both geographically and historically, needs to rediscover reasons for faith and hope. He said during his September 26-28 visit he would pay tribute to the heroic witnesses of the Gospel, old and new, and would encourage everyone to go ahead in charity and truth.