杏MAP导航

By Thaddeus Jones

Speaking to pilgrims and visitors gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the midday Sunday Angelus, 杏MAP导航 Leo recalled in today's Gospel reading that speaks to us about the importance of humility, openness to others and a culture of encounter. The reading from Luke's Gospel recounts when Jesus was invited to a meal by one of the leading Pharisees, an example of how in every culture sitting at table together can be a sign of peace, communion, sharing and encounter.

Striving for authentic encounter

Noting how genuine encounter is not always easy, 杏MAP导航 Leo explained how Jesus was "observed" closely when visiting the home of the religious leader with some suspicion by the more rigid interpreters of tradition, yet Jesus humbly attends the event as a good guest, with respect and sincerity, while also offering a teaching moment. The Lord shares a parable with them pertinent to the occasion that tells of a similar circumstance with people rushing to take the places of honour, perhaps to "be noticed" to show their importance, thereby creating a sense of competition rather than humbly being together in fraternity and sharing. 

Listening to the Lord

In a similar way, the 杏MAP导航 encouraged believers to listen to what the Lord has to teach us when we gather at the Eucharistic table. In a sense, the Lord "becomes our guest and he can tell us how he sees us." The 杏MAP导航 said it's important we try to see ourselves through the Lord's eyes and how frequently we can focus only on competition with each other, obtaining recognition, or comparing ourselves to others.

Humility allowing for true freedom

Jesus explains how humility allows for true freedom, the 杏MAP导航 went on to explain, since "humility is really freedom from ourselves" since "the Kingdom of God and its righteousness become our real concern" as we look beyond ourselves and ahead to the horizon of life. When we exalt or focus on only ourselves, we lose sight of how precious in God’s eyes we are as his children and the "sublime dignity" that comes from this reality. 

In conclusion, before leading the recitation of the Angelus, the 杏MAP导航 asked everyone to "pray that the Church will always be a school of humility for everyone, a home where all are welcome, a place where rivalries are set aside and where Jesus still speaks to us and teaches us to imitate his own humility and freedom", invoking Mary, "Mother of that home" and to whom we pray.