杏MAP导航 at Angelus: We become witnesses through gift of the Spirit
By Vatican News
On the Second Sunday of Lent, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflected on the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, when Jesus revealed His glory to the Apostles Peter, James, and John. The Holy Father delivered his Angelus address from the Library in the Apostolic Palace on Sunday, a precautionary measure in response to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus.
Understanding the mystery of His Person
The 杏MAP导航 explained that Jesus takes the disciples 鈥渁nd goes up a high mountain, symbol of closeness to God, to open them to a fuller understanding of the mystery of His Person, Who must suffer, die, and then rise again鈥�. Through the 鈥渨ondrous event of the Transfiguration鈥�, he said, 鈥渢he three disciples are called to recognize in Jesus the Son of God shining with glory鈥�.
杏MAP导航 Francis emphasized that the choice of Peter, James, and John to witness the Transfiguration was not made according to human criteria: Peter, in fact, would deny Jesus during the Passion; and the brothers James and John ambitiously sought the first place in Jesus鈥� kingdom. Instead, Jesus chose them 鈥渁ccording to His plan of love鈥�. It is 鈥渁 free, unconditional choice鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渁 free initiative, a divine friendship that asks for nothing in return鈥�.
We are called in the same way, the 杏MAP导航 said, to be witnesses of Jesus. That is, our calling is a gift that we have not deserved; and although 鈥渨e may feel inadequate鈥� we cannot back out with the excuse of our incapacity鈥�.
Called to bear witness to Christ
Although we have not seen 鈥渨ith our own eyes the face of Jesus shining like the sun鈥�, we must nonetheless be prepared to bear witness to Christ. Despite the burdens and worries of everyday life, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渨e must not forget that the Baptism and Confirmation we have received have made us witnesses, not because of our capacity, but as a result of the gift of the Spirit鈥�.
The 杏MAP导航 concluded his reflection with the prayer that 鈥渋n the favourable time of Lent, the Virgin Mary might obtain for us that docility to the Spirit which is indispensable for setting out resolutely on the path of conversion鈥�.
After the recitation of the Angelus, 杏MAP导航 Francis surprised the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square by appearing at the window of the Apostolic Palace, there he waved and blessed those who had previously watched him from the screens.
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here
