Pope: May God transform our desires into great works of love
During
the Sunday Angelus, Pope Benedict spoke about the parables of Christ in
the day’s Gospel. The parable of the seed that grows while the farmer
sleeps “refers to the mystery of creation and redemption, the fruitful
work of God in history.” In the parable, the Pope said, the final
harvest reminds us of the full realization of God’s Kingdom at the end
of time. “The present time is the time of sowing, and the Lord ensures
the growth of the seed. Every Christian, then, knows that he must do all
he can, but that the final results depend on God. This knowledge will
sustain his daily labours, especially in difficult situations.”
In
his remarks to English speaking pilgrims, the Holy Father highlighted
the Lord’s parable of the mustard seed: “In today’s Gospel,” he said,
“the Lord teaches us that God’s kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed
which becomes the largest of shrubs. Let us fervently pray that God may
take our weak but sincere desires and transform them into great works of
love for him and our neighbour.”
After leading the crowds in the
recitation of the Angelus, Pope Benedict noted the upcoming,
UN-sponsored World Refugee Day, taking place Wednesday June 20. The day
is dedicated to calling attention to “the conditions of many people,
especially families, forced to flee their lands, because of threats of
armed conflicts and serious forms of violence.” The Holy Father assured
refugees of his prayers and of his constant concern for them, and
expressed the hope that their rights would be respected and that they
would be quickly reunited with their families.
The Pope also
spoke about the International Eucharistic Congress, concluding today in
Dublin, Ireland. Reflecting on the presence of Christ in the Sacrament
of the altar, he said “In the mystery of the Eucharist Jesus wanted to
stay with us, for us to enter into communion with Him and among
ourselves.”
Finally, Pope Benedict joyfully called to mind the
beatification of Eusepi Cecilia, taking place Sunday afternoon. Eusepi,
who died at the age of 18, “lived with unwavering faith, displaying
great ability to offer sacrifices for the salvation of souls.” The Holy
Father recalled that “in the last days of her life, in profound union
with Christ Crucified, she repeated ‘It is good to give oneself for
Christ, who has given everything for us’.”
Finally, the Holy
Father greeted pilgrims and visitors from around the world in various
languages, wishing them a happy Sunday, and leaving them with his
“abundant blessing.”
