VATICAN - The Pope’s Angelus reflection: “The Season of Lent should be approached not as something tedious and tiresome but rather in the new spirit of those who have found in Jesus and in his paschal mystery the meaning of life”. Appeal for Iraq and Nigeria: “God, the Creator and Father of all humanity will call to account even more severely those who shed the blood of a brother or sister in His name”

Monday, 27 February 2006

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “The Season of Lent should be approached not in the old spirit as something tedious and tiresome but rather in the new spirit of those who have found in Jesus and in His paschal mystery the meaning of life and realise that now everything must be seen in relation to Him”. Commenting the Sunday Gospel on the meaning of fasting the Pope reflected on the now imminent Season of Lent. “By happy coincidence today’s Gospel is on the theme of fasting: as you know next Wednesday we will start the season of Lent with the Rite of the Ashes and penitential fasting. So today’s Gospel passage is particularly appropriate … the story anticipates the meaning of the Lenten Season which is a period in which we commemorate the Lord’s passion as a preparation for Easter. During Lent we refrain from singing the Alleluia and strive to practice opportune forms of penance and fasting. The Season of Lent should be approached not in the old spirit as something tedious and tiresome but rather in the new spirit of those who have found in Jesus and in His paschal mystery the meaning of life and realise that now everything must be seen in relation to Him”.
After leading the recitation of the Marian prayer and before greeting groups present in different languages the Pope mentioned episodes of violence in Iraq and Nigeria and asked people to pray for the suffering people. He said: “News of tragic violence in Iraq even attacks on mosques continues to arrive. These actions cause grief, spark hatred and seriously hinder the already difficult task of rebuilding the country. In Nigeria there have been days of clashes between Christians and Muslims, with many people killed and churches and mosques destroyed. While I firmly condemn the violation of places of worship I entrust the dead and those who mourn them to the Lord. I call on everyone in the holy season of Lent to do penance and pray that the Lord may free those beloved nations and many other parts of the world from the threat of similar conflicts! The fruits of faith in God are not devastating antagonism, but rather a spirit of brotherhood and collaboration for the common good. God, the Creator and Father of all humanity will call to account even more severely those who shed the blood of a brother or sister in His name. Through the intercession of Most Holy Mary may all peoples find true peace in Him!” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 27/2/2006 - righe 28, parole 428)


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