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Since the Pope's message is brief, I've decided to take a break and translate it, especially as we have not 'heard' from him all week - other than that great Message for WYD, that is!
As he did in previous years, the Pope's remarks were addressed to the leader of the spiritual exercises - this year, Cardinal Francis Arinze, emeritus Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, who offered reflections on the theme, "The priest meets Jesus and follows him".
The Pope's choice of Cardinal Arinze as this year's leader of the Lenten spiritual exercises for the Curia is significant on the eve of his first trip to Africa as Pope, which begins in 10 days.
THE HOLY FATHER'S REMARKS
AT THE END OF THE WEEKLONG
LENTEN SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Eminences,
Dear venerated brothers:
One of the beautiful functions of a Pope is to say 'Thank you'.
At this time, I would like, in the name of all of us, to say 'Thank you" from the heart to you, Eminence, for the meditations you gave us. They have guided, illuminated and helped us to renew our priesthood.
Your meditations were no theological acrobatics. You offered us none of those, but rather a healthy doctrine, the good bread of our faith.
Listening to your words brought to mind a prophecy of Ezekiel interpreted by St. Augustine. In the Book of Ezekiel, the Lord, the God who is a shepherd, tells the people: "I will lead my sheep to the mountains of Israel, to grassy pastures."
St. Augustine asks himself what these grassy pastures would be. He answers: The mountains of Israel, the grassy pastures, are Sacred Scripture, the Word of God that gives us true nourishment.
Your preaching was permeated by Sacred Scripture, showing great familiarity with the Word of God, read in the context of the living Church, from the Fathers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, always contextualized in (Scriptural) readings and in the liturgy.
And that is how Scripture is present in its full relevance.
Your theology, as you told us, has not been an abstract one, but characterized by healthy realism. I admired and very much appreciated your concrete experience in 50 years of priesthood that you spoke about, and in the light of which you have helped us to concretize our faith.
You have given us the right words, words that are concrete to our lives, and for our behavior as priests. I hope that many will read your words and take them to heart.
You started with the always fascinating and beautiful account of the first disciples who followed Jesus. Still rather uncertain and timid, they asked, "Master, where do you live?" And his answer - which you interpreted for us, was: "Come and see".
In order to see, we have to come along, we must walk with and follow Jesus, who always precedes us. You have shown us where Jesus lives, where his dwelling is: in his Church, in his Word, in the most Holy Eucharist.
Thank you, Eminence, for your guidance. With new impetus and new joy, let us undertake the journey towards Easter.
I wish you all a good Lent and a happy Easter.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 08/03/2009 11:11] |