VATICAN - Benedict XVI in the Holy Land (8) - Blessing of the Foundation Stones of the Churches on the Jordan: “The foundation stone of a church is a symbol of Christ. The Church rests on Christ, is sustained by him and cannot be separated from him.”

Bethany (Agenzia Fides) – On the afternoon of Sunday, May 10, the Holy Father Benedict XVI traveled to “Bethany beyond the Jordan,” the region that was central to the activity of John the Baptist and the public life of Jesus. After having visited the archaeological site at the site of the Baptism, the Pope blessed the foundation stones of the Latin and Greek-Melkite Churches. Before blessing the Blessing Rite, the Pope said: “The foundation stone of a church is a symbol of Christ. The Church rests on Christ, is sustained by him and cannot be separated from him. He is the one foundation of every Christian community...With him, we too are living stones built into a spiritual house, a dwelling place for God.” Then, quoting Saint Augustine, he indicated that the Church “is Christ and us, Christ with us. He is with us as the vine is with its own branches (cf. Jn 15:1-8). The Church is in Christ a community of new life, a dynamic reality of grace that flows from him. Through the Church Christ purifies our hearts, enlightens our minds, unites us with the Father and, in the one Spirit, moves us to a daily exercise of Christian love. We confess this joyful reality as the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.”
Benedict XVI then recalled that “we enter the Church through baptism,” and the memory of Christ's baptism “is brought vividly before us in this place,” where “Jesus stood in line with sinners and accepted John’s baptism of penance.” He then gave an exhortation to those present: “May the Jordan always remind you that you have been washed in the waters of baptism and have become members of the family of Jesus. Your lives, in obedience to his word, are being transformed into his image and likeness. As you strive to be faithful to your baptismal commitment of conversion, witness and mission, know that you are being strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Lastly, the Pope exhorted those present “in the whole range of noble attitudes covered by the blessed name of agape, Christian love. Promote dialogue and understanding in civil society, especially when claiming your legitimate rights. In the Middle East, marked by tragic suffering, by years of violence and unresolved tensions, Christians are called to offer their contribution, inspired by the example of Jesus, of reconciliation and peace through forgiveness and generosity.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/5/2009)