杏MAP导航

杏MAP导航 at Angelus: Imitate the God of love, be messengers of hope

At the Angelus on Sunday, 杏MAP导航 Francis says Christmas reminds us God always find ways to reach everyone, wherever they are, 鈥渙pening windows of light even in the darkest nights of humanity.鈥

By Christopher Wells

Sunday鈥檚 Gospel 鈥渞eminds us how powerful is God鈥檚 love, which is not overcome by anything, and which continues to shine and illuminate our path, despite obstacles and rejections,鈥 杏MAP导航 Francis said at the Sunday Angelus.

Jesus鈥 Incarnation, he continued, shows Him overcoming walls and divisions, confronting closed minds and hearts, sharing the humble life of Mary and Joseph despite the many hardships they face.

God never stops reaching out to us

In the face of the challenges we see in this world, 鈥淕od never stops,鈥 , but 鈥渇inds a thousand ways to reach each and every one of us, wherever we are鈥 opening even in the darkest nights of humanity windows of light that the darkness obscures.鈥

In a world in desperate need of light, hope, and peace, human beings create difficult situations from which it seems impossible to escape; but, the 杏MAP导航 said, the Scripture shows that it is not so. Instead, we are called 鈥渢o imitate the God of love, opening up glimmers of light wherever we can, with whomever we meet, in any context.鈥

Taking the first step

Today, the 杏MAP导航 said, the Lord's invitation is "not to be afraid of taking the first step." This takes courage, adding that we are called to throw open "bright windows of proximity to those who are suffering, of forgiveness, of compassion and reconciliation鈥 to make the journey clearer, safer and possible for all.鈥

This call is particular clear during the Jubilee, which urges us to be messengers of hope. This, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, 鈥渋s the way of salvation.鈥

How can I open a window of light

Concluding his remarks, 杏MAP导航 Francis invited everyone to ask themselves, 鈥淗ow can I open a window of light in my environment and in my relationships? Where can I be a glimmer of light that let鈥檚 God鈥檚 love pass through?鈥

And he prayed that Mary, "the star that leads us to Jesus" might help us "to be shinging witnesses of the Father's love for everyone."

Appeals for peace

Following the Angelus, 杏MAP导航 Francis renewed once again his appeals for peace throughout the world.

"Let us continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, in Sudan," the Holy Father pleaded. "May the international community act with determination to ensure that humanitarian law is respected in conflicts."

鈥淣o more striking civilians! No more striking schools or hospitals! No more striking workplaces!鈥

And he repeated once again, "War is always a defeat, always!"

 

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05 January 2025, 12:08

The Angelus is a special prayer recited by Catholics three times a day, at 6am, noon, and 6pm and is accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus bell. The name comes from the Latin word for Angel and the prayer itself reminds us of how Jesus Christ assumed our human nature through the Mystery of the Incarnation.
The 杏MAP导航 recites the Angelus prayer in St Peter鈥檚 Square every Sunday at midday.
He also gives a brief reflection on the Gospel of the day and often comments on some issue of international concern. The 杏MAP导航鈥檚 words are broadcast all over the world on radio and television and widely shared on social media.
From Easter to Pentecost the Regina Coeli is prayed instead of the Angelus. This prayer commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and, like the Angelus, concludes with the recitation of the Gloria three times.

Latest Angelus / Regina Caeli

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