杏MAP导航 to Marseille clergy: Bring gaze of Jesus to others
By Christopher Wells
杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� first appointment in Marseille on Friday was with diocesan clergy in the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde (鈥淥ur Lady of the Guard鈥�).
In his address during the Marian Prayer service, the Holy Father recalled that the church in which the meeting took place was not founded as the result of a miracle or apparition, but because the people of God in Marseille, 鈥渟ought and found here鈥� the presence of the Lord through the eyes of His Holy Mother鈥�.
The 杏MAP导航 focused his remarks on the 鈥淢arian dimension鈥� of ministry, reflecting on the 鈥渋ntersection of gazes鈥� brought about by Mary: the gaze of Jesus upon His people, and the gaze of the people toward the Lord.
Jesus鈥� tender gaze
Jesus, the 杏MAP导航 said, gazes tenderly upon all men and women, not judging us but lifting up the lowly. The Church鈥檚 ministers are called to reflect this gaze, he said, remembering that they have themselves experienced it and can in turn be men and women of compassion.
鈥淟et us open the doors, not only of our churches and rectories, but especially of the heart, to show through our meekness, kindness, and acceptance the face of the Lord鈥�, he encouraged them.
杏MAP导航 Francis encouraged priests to always offer God鈥檚 forgiveness, and to rediscover 鈥渢he joy of illuminating lives through the Sacraments.鈥� And he encouraged them to be close to everyone, especially the poor and less fortunate.
Interceding for those who turn to Jesus
Turning to the second gaze, 鈥渢hat of men and women who turn to Jesus鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis highlighted the role of the Church鈥檚 ministers as intercessors.
Like Mary at the wedding of Cana, they 鈥渁re called to be the voice of intercession for others鈥�, ensuring that when they pray, they bring with them the needs of all those providence has placed in their path.
The 杏MAP导航 summarized his reflections by pointing to three images of Mary in the Basilica.
The great statue of Mary that 鈥渢owers over its summit鈥� reminds clergy to 鈥渂ring the blessing and peace of Jesus everywhere鈥�. An image of Mary holding the Child Jesus and a bouquet of flowers demonstrates how Mary presents Jesus to us, and also presents us, like a bouquet of flowers, to Him. And finally, the 鈥渟plendour鈥� of the image of Mary on the altar invites Christians to 鈥渂ecome a living Gospel鈥� by going out to share Jesus鈥� message with others.
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