Dec 12th, 2021
During the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis greeted the many pilgrims present, including many families with their children, who brought little statuettes of the Child Jesus to be blessed on this day, known in Italy as 'Bambinelli Sunday'. Saint Pope Paul VI started this tradition over fifty years ago.
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking the Square, Pope Francis greeted the children present, wishing them and their families a blessed Christmas. He blessed the figurines of the Child Jesus they brought with them to be placed in their Christmas nativity scenes back home.
He also offered special greetings to pilgrims from Latin America present in St. Peter's Square as part of a group dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast is celebrated annually on December 12. He also greeted all those from Caritas Internationalis celebrating their 70th anniversary, and praised their work helping the most vulnerable in the world, especially those affected by environmental degradation.
Before praying the Angelus, the Pope reflected on the day's Gospel, which recounted John the Baptist responding to those who come to him asking how to change their lives for the better, since their hearts were touched by the Lord. It reflects an enthusiasm for the Lord's coming and a desire to prepare themselves concretely for this joyous, life-changing experience. In the same way, we too should ask ourselves what we should do within our own lives, the Pope suggested, and reflect on what we are called to do and become.
The question of what we are to do reminds us that "life has a task for us", the Pope said. It is not something left to chance, but rather, "It is a gift that the Lord grants us," since He asks to discover ourselves and "to work hard to make the dream that is your life come true." We all have a mission to accomplish, he explained, and we should not be afraid to ask the Lord this question often: What can we do for the Lord, and what can we for ourselves, our brothers and sisters, the Pope asked, and how can this be translated concretely into contributing to the good of the Church and society? Advent is the time we need "to stop and ask ourselves how to prepare for Christmas", what we should do for Jesus and others.
John the Baptist, in responding to those who ask him "what should we do?", gives each person a very concrete reply to their life situation. And this offers a precious teaching, the Pope said, that "faith is incarnated in concrete life," touching us personally and transforming our lives.
In conclusion, he encouraged everyone to think concretely about what we can do, small or big, in our own lives as we prepare for Christmas. This could mean visiting someone who is alone, helping the elderly or the ill, or serving the poor or someone in need. It may also mean asking for forgiveness for our mistakes, paying a debt, clarifying a misunderstanding, or praying more. We can all find something concrete to do, the Pope emphasized, adding, "May the Blessed Mother help us!"
After the Angelus, Pope Francis prayed for "beloved Ukraine," for its churches, religious communities, and people. The Holy Father urged the international community to resolve tensions in Ukraine through "serious" dialogue "and not with arms," saying he was saddened to hear that in the past year, more weapons had been produced by arms dealers than the year before.
"Arms are not the way," he said, before adding his hope that this Christmas "might bring Ukraine peace."
Pope Francis also said he was praying for the victims of the tornado that has hit Kentucky and other areas of the United States of America.
The Meaning Of The Feast of Christ the King and Advent »
On November 20th we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. It is one of many opportunities the Catholic Liturgical Church year offers to each of us consider the creature which is called time, receive it as a gift and begin to really live differently.
Do you have a real relationship with God? »
Do you have a real relationship with God, or do you just have a religion? Do you know God, or do you just know about God? Do you worry about the smallest things, or do you trust God to help you through even the biggest things? Have you ever considered a relationship with God that has no limits, with a God powerful enough to enable you to think, love, and live differently?
This generation of youth and their conduct have posed to be a source of worry for many of the older generations. As much as the world is advancing, one cannot really see the benefit on the youth of our time, most of them are losing value for life.
7 Financial Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs »
Most of us are familiar with the typical habits of successful people -wake up early, eat breakfast, build a network. But what about the financial habits?
The beauty of The Thrill of the Chaste, and indeed, of the Catholic Church’s approach to chastity and love in general, is that it proposes a lifestyle that is both dynamic and practical, both challenging and peaceful. Chastity is the ability to moderate our own sexual desires, and involves much more than simply saying “no” to sex before marriage
One of the errors of Pelagianism was the assertion that prayer is not necessary for salvation. Pelagius, the impious author of that heresy, said that man will only be damned for neglecting to know the truths necessary to be learned.
St. Andrew »
Feast Day: November 30
Patron Saint Of: Fisherman
Andrew, like his brother Simon Peter, was a fisherman. He became a disciple of the great St. John the Baptist, but when John pointed to Jesus and said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Andrew understood that Jesus was greater. At once he left John to follow the Divine Master. Jesus knew that Andrew was walking behind him, and turning back, he asked, "what do you seek?" When Andrew answered that he would like to know where Jesus lived, Our Lord replied, "Come and see." Andrew had been only a little time with Jesus when he realized that this was truly the Messiah.
The True Meaning of Advent»
What is the best way to prepare for the season of Advent? You’re free to do what you know will help you prepare for Christmas the best. If decorating and so forth does not help you prepare for the coming of Christ, you can be the judge of whether it’s worth doing.
Trust in the Lord — Bishop Barron»
Friends, a connection with God leads to life and flourishing. When we sever that connection, we experience a drought similar to the one in our first reading today. The Lord responds to our needs, so trust in his providence, and he will not abandon you.
Copyright © 2002-2023 THE BEACON INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MAGAZINE. All rights reserved.
another mc.rufus interactive web design