Consecrated,luminous witnesses in relativistic world

“Today, especially in more developed societies, we are witnessing a condition characterized by a radical plurality, by the progressive marginalization of religion in the public sphere, by a relativism that touches fundamental values. This situation demands that our Christian witness be luminous and coherent and that ever more care and generosity be given towards our efforts in the area of education”.

This was Pope Benedict XVI’s message to men and women religious on Wednesday as he marked the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 15^th World Day for Consecrated Life, with the celebration of Vespers in St Peter’s Basilica.

Reflecting on the meaning of the feast, he said it is interesting to observe “this entrance of the child Jesus in the solemn environment of the temple”, amidst the busy comings and goings of people “caught up in their daily commitments”, the priests going about their chores, the numerous faithful and pilgrims, “none of whom is aware of what is going on”.

“Only two elderly people, Simeon and Anna discover the great novelty” said the Pope. “Guided by the Holy Spirit, they find in that child the fulfilment of their long period of waiting and watchfulness”.

The Presentation of Jesus in the temple, he said is an “eloquent icon of the complete giving of one’s life for those – men and women – who, through the evangelical counsels, are called to imitate in the Church and in the world “those characteristic aspects of the chaste, poor and obedient Jesus “. For this, today’s feast was chosen by venerable Pope John Paul II to celebrate the annual Day for Consecrated life”.

Pope Benedict XVI then proposed three thoughts for reflection. Firstly, the biblical icon of the presentation of Jesus in the temple “contains the fundamental symbol of light – the light which, coming from Christ,…shines on all the Church's children…But those who are called to the consecrated life have a special experience of the light which shines forth from the Incarnate Word”.

Secondly, the evangelical image manifests prophecy as a gift of the Holy Spirit. “Simeon and Anna, contemplating the Child Jesus, catch a glimpse of his destiny of death and resurrection for the salvation of all peoples, and they announce this mystery as universal salvation. Consecrated life is called to this prophetic witness, linked by its dual, contemplative and active forms”.

Thirdly, the gospel image of the presentation of Jesus in the temple shows the wisdom of Simeon and Anna, the wisdom of a life dedicated totally to seeking the face of God, his signs, his will; a life dedicated to listening to – and to announcing his word. Consecrated life, in the world and in the Church, is a visible sign of this seeking the face of the Lord, and of the ways that lead to him.

Finally Pope Benedict concluded that consecrated life, “becomes a life-giving commitment”. That “with wisdom, with faith” and the “inexhaustible possibilities of true education”, can guide the hearts and minds of men and women of our time “towards the good life of the Gospel.” Listen