Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Gospel parable of Jesus who heals the ten lepers and only one- a Samaritan, a foreigner, comes back to thank him, proclaimed during Mass on 14 October, the 28th Sunday in the Liturgical Year, was the main theme of the reflection given by Pope Benedict XVI from his study window overlooking St Peter's Square before leading the recitation of Angelus prayer with thousands gathered for his blessing. The Pope began by underlining two “two grades of healing” which the parables calls to mind: “the first, the most superficial, involves the body, the other deeper form touches the person intimately in what the Bible calls the ‘heart’, and then pours out over the whole existence. Complete and radical healing is ‘salvation’… salvation is much more than health: it is a new, full and everlasting life”. The Pope also recalled that Jesus is this parable says: "your faith has saved you ", and he explained: “It is faith which saves man, re-establishing his profound relationship with God, with himself and with others; and faith is expressed in gratitude. Those who, like the healed Samaritan, know how to say thank you, demonstrate that they realise that everything is not due, it is a gift even when it comes through another person or nature, it comes ultimately from God. Faith means opening to God' grace; recognising that everything is a gift, everything is grace”.
In the time of Jesus leprosy “was considered ‘contagious uncleanness’ which demanded ritual purification”. The Pope said, “ the real leprosy which disfigures man and society is sin; it is pride and selfishness which generate indifference, hatred and violence in the human heart. This leprosy of the spirit which disfigures the face of humanity, no one can cure except God who is Love. By opening the heart to God, a person is converted and is healed inwardly from evil.”
Lastly Pope Benedict XVI recalled that Jesus began his public life calling people to conversion and that this call has been repeated by the Blessed Virgin Mary in her apparitions. The Pope said: “Our thoughts for to Fátima where 90 years ago from 13 May to the 13 October Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children: Lucia, Giacinta and Francisco. In live link via radio and television I wish spiritually to be there at the Marian Shrine were Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, presided on my behalf the closing celebrations of such an important anniversary … Let us ask Our Lady to intercede that all Christians may receive the gift of true conversion and announce and witness with fidelity and consistency the Gospel message which indicates to humanity the way to authentic peace.”
After greeting people in different languages the Pope appealed for peace in Iraq and the release of two priests taken hostage: “Every day there come from Iraq reports of attacks and violence which shake the conscience of those who have at heart the good of the country and peace in the region. Among the reports I learned today that two priests from the Syrian Catholic archdiocese of Mossul have been taken hostage and their lives threatened. I appeal to the captors to release the priests immediately and once again I say that violence never solves tension and I pray to the Lord for their release and for all those suffering from violence and for peace”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2007 - righe 38, parole 553)
