Pope's 'Angelus' of Sept. 13

(September 13, 2010) Despite our sins, it is God who makes the first move to meet us, said Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday. He was reflecting on the "three parables of mercy" of Sunday’s Gospel of St. Luke, before praying the midday Angelus with the crowds gathered at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome. The stories of the shepherd who goes after the lost sheep, of the woman who looks for the lost coin and the Prodigal Son, point to the certainty that, “although sinners, we are loved by God” who “never tires to come to meet us, he is the first to take to the road that separates us from him," the Pope said. "Repentance is the measure of faith, and thanks to it, one returns to the truth," the Holy Father added. Commenting on the indignation of the elder brother of the Prodigal Son, Pope Benedict XVI noted that "only faith can transform egoism into joy and restore right relations with our neighbour and with God."
Before reciting the ‘Angelus’ prayer and imparting his blessing, Pope Benedict reminded all about his upcoming visit to the UK starting on Thursday, during which he will proclaim Cardinal John Henry Newman blessed. He urged all to accompany him with prayer on this apostolic journey.