Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Amman (Agenzia Fides) – At the Greek-Melkite Cathedral of Saint-Georges in Amman, at 5:30pm on Saturday, May 9, the Holy Father XVI presided the Celebration of Vespers according to the Greek-Melkite Rite, in the presence of priests, religious men and women, seminarians, and members of ecclesial movements. In the homily, after greeting and thanking those present, the Holy Father mentioned that “The Church herself is a pilgrim people and thus, through the centuries, has been marked by determinant historical events and pervading cultural epochs. Sadly, some of these have included times of theological dispute or periods of repression. Others, however, have been moments of reconciliation – marvellously strengthening the communion of the Church – and times of rich cultural revival, to which Eastern Christians have contributed so greatly...The ancient living treasure of the traditions of the Eastern Churches enriches the universal Church and could never be understood simply as objects to be passively preserved. All Christians are called to respond actively to the Lord’s mandate – as Saint George did in dramatic ways according to popular record – to bring others to know and love him.”
The Pope recalled the ancient ties with the Patriarchate of Antioch and thus, rooted in the Near East, and thus the many works of universal charity that “extend to all Jordanians – Muslims and those of other religions – and also to the large numbers of refugees whom this Kingdom so generously welcomes.” Recalling the first Psalm (103) from the Vespers – which presents glorious images of God the bountiful Creator, actively present in his creation – and the passage from the Epistle – on the need to stay alert, to be aware of the forces of evil at work creating darkness in our world (cf Eph 6:10-20)- the Pope highlighted that, beyond apparent contradiction, “reflecting on our ordinary human experience we recognize spiritual struggle, we acknowledge the daily need to move into Christ’s light, to choose life, to seek truth. Indeed, this rhythm – turning away from evil and girding ourselves with the Lord’s strength – is what we celebrate at every Baptism, the gateway to Christian life, the first step along the way of the Lord’s disciples.”
Addressing the Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and the lay faithful, the Holy Father mentioned that “our respective roles of service and mission within the Church are the tireless response of a pilgrim people. Your liturgies, ecclesiastical discipline and spiritual heritage are a living witness to your unfolding tradition. You amplify the echo of the first Gospel proclamation, you render fresh the ancient memories of the works of the Lord, you make present his saving graces and you diffuse anew the first glimmers of the Easter light and the flickering flames of Pentecost.” Mentioning the great variety of apostolic works, all of them greatly appreciated, he observed that in this society, they are “a marvelous sign of the hope that defines us as Christian.”
Lastly, encouraging those in formation for the priesthood and religious life, the Pope said: “Guided by the light of the Risen Lord, inflamed with his hope, and vested with his truth and love, your witness will bring abundant blessings to those whom you meet along the way.” He then exhorted all the Christian youth of Jordan: “do not be afraid to make your own wise, measured and respectful contribution to the public life of the Kingdom. The authentic voice of faith will always bring integrity, justice, compassion and peace!” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/5/2009)
