More on Sunday's readings, this time from Papa Benedetto
At his Angelus address on Sun 24 Sept the Holy Father reflected on the readings from Sunday's Mass. In it he reflects on the 2nd reading from the Epistle of James & how it applied to Sister Leonella Sgorbati, the Italian missionary who was recently murdered in Somalia. If you don't remember, it was reported that she repeatedly said that she forgave the 2 gunman who shot her, possibly as a retaliation for what the Pope had said at the University of Regensburg.
"Also recalled, in today's liturgy, is the Letter of St. James: "Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity." The apostle concludes: "A fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace" (3:16-18).
This word brings to mind the witness of so many Christians who, with humility and in silence, spend their life at the service of others for the sake of the Lord Jesus, working concretely as servants of love and therefore "artisans" of peace. Some are asked to give the supreme testimony of blood, as happened a few days ago to the Italian religious, Sister Leonella Sgorbati, who fell victim to violence. This nun, who for many years served the poor and the children in Somalia, died pronouncing the word "pardon": This is the most authentic Christian witness, a peaceful sign of contradiction which shows the victory of love over hate and evil.
No doubt, following Christ is difficult, but, as he says, only the one who loses his life for the sake of the Gospel will save it (cf. Mark 8:35), giving full sense to one's existence. There exists no other path to be his disciples, there is no other path to witness to his love and tend toward evangelical perfection"
The entire Angelus address can be found on Zenit:
As I said in the previous blog, the timing of the readings is no conincidence. It is evidence of the Hand of the Holy Spirit at work.
posted by Al @ 12:56 AM
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