Pope Benedict XVI’s Homily At The Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals

(November 20, 2010) The special bond of communion and affection that binds these new cardinals to the Pope, makes them unique and precious co-operators of the high office entrusted by Christ to Peter to feed his sheep, to bring together people with the care of the love of Christ, said Pope Benedict XVI in his Homily at the Consistory for the creation of new cardinals at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Saturday. Being united to Christ in faith and in communion with Him means to be "rooted and grounded in love", the bond that holds all members of the Body of Christ, he added. Reflecting on the Gospel of the day chosen from St. Mark, the Pope said that the request of James and John to have special place in His Kingdom and the indignation of the ten Apostles raise a central question to which Jesus wants to answer: who is great, who is first before God. The criterion of the greatness and supremacy of God is not to dominate, but to serve. Hence the service is the fundamental law of the disciple and of the Christian community which allows us to glimpse something of the sovereignty of God. Here Jesus also indicates the reference point: the Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Addressing the newly elected cardinals the Pontiff said that the mission to which God is calling them today and inviting them is to a service in the Church which is certainly a responsible task that requires a greater willingness to imitate the Son of God, who came as one who serves. This requires a firm and deeply rooted commitment to Christ, and an intimate relationship with him, so that their life becomes more and more, as Saint Paul says, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me. Finally the Pope entrusted to Mary, Mother of the Church, the new Cardinals and their service to the Church, so that, with apostolic zeal, they can proclaim to all peoples the merciful love of God.