This morning's Mass of the Solemnity of the Annunciation from the "Domus Sanctae Marthae Chapel:
This is from Vatican Radio today. This gives us a little bit more on "Getting to know you..."
(Vatican Radio) For the Christian, "making progress" means "lowering oneself" on the road of humility in order allow God’s love to emerge and be clearly seen. This was the central focus of Pope Francis’ homily on Monday morning at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel. The liturgy was attended by some of the Sisters of Charity, who renewed their vows, the staff of the Vatican Television Center, the Brazilian Program of Vatican Radio, and the long-time Papal photographer, Arturo Mari
The way of Christian humility rises up to God, as those who bear witness to it “stoop low” to make room for charity. The liturgical feast of the Annunciation occasioned this reflection from Pope Francis, as he celebrated the Annunciation Mass on Monday morning. The Pope said that the road taken by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the imperial census was a road of humility. There was the humility of Mary, who “did not understand well,” but “[entrusted] her soul to the will of God.” Joseph was humble, as he “lowered himself” to take on the “great responsibility” of the bride who was with child.
“So it is always with God’s love,” said Francis, “that, in order to reach us, takes the way of humility.” This was the same way that Jesus walked, a way that humbled itself even unto the Cross. Pope Francis went on to say that, for a Christian, “[T]his is the golden rule,” according to which progress and advancement always come through lowering oneself. “One can take no other road,” he said, adding, “if I do not lower myself, if you do not lower yourself, you are not a Christian.”
Pope Francis went on to say, “Being humble does not mean going on the road,” with “downcast eyes.” Such was not the humility of Jesus, or his mother or his foster father, Joseph. The Holy Father underlined that the way of humility is the one that leads to the triumph of the Resurrection. “Let us ask God for the grace of humility,” he prayed, “that humility, which is the way by which charity surely passes,” for, “if there is no humility, love remains blocked, it cannot go [forward].”
5 comments:
"Sisters of Charity"!!! I would think you would know better! Those were Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, who with the sisters here in Macon and all the others in the world renewed their vows today.
It sounds like a perfect homily for the feast. It was wonderful to think of our sisters renewing their vows after his words calling us to be of humble service.
Have a great Clergy Conference Father...hope you get some rest too, you all could use a break.
Talking of downcast eyes, I noticed at the Lateran Basilica the Pope, during the singing of the Gloria, stood looking glumly at his boots. It wasn't a lengthy setting, just the bog-standard Missa de Angelis. I am coming to the conclusion that the poor man is tone-deaf to the extent that he can't endure music of any description.
Reference your question concerning Xmas, the Eastern Churches (including those in communion with Rome) will celebrate it on 7 Jan. as the Julian calendar is 13 days out. If the Annunciation falls during Holy Week it has to be transferred until the end of the Easter octave.
John Nolan - you are quite wrong about Francis being able to appreciate (or tolerate) music. He enjoys listening to classical music, particularly opera. H usually gives a recording of a latino mass sitting to visitors - sorry, can't remember which one exactly.
Thanks Andrew. Another theory bites the dust.
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