Do you want to be burning lamps? Pope asks at Angelus

Vatican City, 10 February 2014: We are all “missionary disciples, and we are called to become in the world a living Gospel.” If Christians lose their savour, if their light goes out, their presence in the world loses its efficacy. Pope Francis made these remarks in his Angelus on Sunday. He was reflecting on the day’s Gospel: “You are the salt of the earth... you are the light of the world.”

These words “surprise us,” the Pope said, when we consider that they were addressed to his disciples were simple fishermen. But Jesus saw them with the eyes of God. These words are a consequence of the Beatitudes, said the Pope adding if we are poor in spirit, meek, pure of heart, merciful... then we will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

If a Christian loses this light, “his life doesn’t make sense. He is a Christian in name only,” Pope Francis cautioned.

Departing from his prepared remarks, the pontiff turned to query the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “I want to ask you now, how do you want to live? As a lamp that is lit, or one that is off?” “I can’t hear your response!” he said, urging the crowd to reply louder.

“A lit lamp!” he affirmed, “This is the Christian vocation!”

After leading the crowds in the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis noted that Tuesday, Feb. 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day for the Sick.

“The dignity of of the person is never reduced to his faculties or capacities, and does not diminish when the person himself is weak, handicapped, and in need of help,” affirmed the pontiff.

He went on to thank health care workers for their “invaluable work,” and acknowledge the many letters he receives from families who have very ill members.

“So many write to me, and today I want to assure all of these families of a prayer, and I say to them: don’t be afraid of frailty! Help one another with love, and feel the consoling presence of God.”

Pope Francis then expressed his well wishes for those participating in the Winter Olympics in Sochi and greeted the many pilgrim groups who had travelled to St. Peter’s Square.

Before concluding with his usual “I wish everyone a good Sunday and a good lunch,” the Pope paused for a moment to ask again, “A lit lamp, or a lamp that is off? Which do you want?”

“A lit lamp!” the crowd enthusiastically replied. “A Christian carries the light!” he affirmed. “He is a lit lamp. Always forward with the light of Jesus!”
Source: VR Sedoc