Pope: nuncios, "nomads", bound to the Churches, "detached" from themselves and from earthly goods
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Being pastors of souls without even having a church of their own, "living in the interim, moving outside of themselves, never having a place to put down roots," being "detached" from themselves and from worldly goods, not seeking "a comfortable and quiet life " but "familiarity with Jesus." These are the life choices of a papal representative, as indicated today by the Pope who received participants at an event dedicated to Vatican diplomats as part of the Year of Faith.
A speech that gave Francis the opportunity to trace the figure of candidates for a bishops appointment. Speaking of one of the "important points" of a nuncios service, in fact, Francis said that in the "delicate task of carrying out inquiries for episcopal appointments be careful that the candidates are pastors close to the people, fathers and brothers, that they are gentle, patient and merciful; animated by inner poverty, the freedom of the Lord and also by outward simplicity and austerity of life, that they do not have the psychology of "Princes". Be careful that they are not ambitious, that they do not seek the episcopate - volentes nolumus - and that they are married to a Church without being in constant search of another. That they are capable of 'watching over' "the flock that will be entrusted to them, taking care to keep it united, keep watch, imbue hope, that they have sun and light in their hearts, to lovingly and patiently support the plans which God brings about in His people. "
But, beyond this task, the Pope spoke of the life of papal diplomat as, "nomadic", like that of Abraham, who left everything to follow the path shown him by God. "And this involves two elements. First, mortification, the sacrifice of stripping oneself of things, friends, bonds and of always beginning anew. And this is not easy; it means living in the interim, going outside of yourselves, without ever having a place to put down roots, a stable community, yet loving the Church and the Country that you are called to serve. A second aspect that involves this being nomads, always on the road, is what is described in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Listing examples of the faith of the fathers, the author says that they saw the promised goods and greeted them from afar, declaring that they were pilgrims on this earth (cf. 11:13). Such a life is of great worth, a life like yours, when lived with an intensity of love, with an active memory of the first call".
"Material goods, the prospects of this world end up
disappointing, they push people to never be satisfied; the Lord is the good
that does not disappoint. And this demands a self-detachment that can only be
achieved through a constant relationship with the Lord and the unification of
one's life around Christ. Familiarity with Jesus Christ must be the daily food
of the Papal Representative, because it is the food that comes from the memory
of our first encounter with Him, and also because it is the daily expression of
loyalty to His call. Familiarity with Jesus Christ in prayer, celebration of
the Eucharist, in the service of charity".
"There is always the
danger, even for the men of the Church, to surrender to what I call, taking an
expression from De Lubac,
"spiritual worldliness": to
surrender to the spirit of the world, which leads to action for
self-fulfillment and not for the glory of God (cf. Meditation on the Church,
Milan 1979, p. 269), in that sort of "bourgeoisie spirit and life"
which leads people to settle and seek a peaceful and comfortable life.. "
" We are pastors! And
that we must not ever forget that! Dear Papal Representatives, be the presence
of Christ, be a priestly presence, as Pastors. Of course, you will not teach a
particular portion of the People of God entrusted to you, you will not guide a
local church, but you are Pastors who serve the Church, with the role to
encourage, to be ministers of communion, and also with the not always easy task
of reprimanding. Always do everything with deep love! Even in relations with
the Civil Authorities and your Colleagues you are Pastors: always seek the good,
the good of all, the good of the Church and of every person".
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13/06/2019 14:53
