"When we suffer for evil, persecution, injustice, let us avoid revenge, vengeance and hatred, and pray for our persecutors. Overcome evil with good. "He who receives God in their lives and loves him with all his heart is capable of a new beginning.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The "perfection" to which Jesus invites us to "live as children of God is actually doing his will" and Jesus himself tells us: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven "(Mt 5.44 to 45). Whoever receives the Lord into their lives and loves him with all his heart is capable of a new beginning. He manages to carry out the will of God: to create a new form of life inspired by love and destined to eternity".

The "joy of reconciliation" and "perfection of charity” were the themes of which Benedict XVI spoke to the 25 thousand people in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus this Sunday. Explaining the Sunday readings, the Pope, speaking before the Marian prayer and in the greetings in different languages later, said that "when we suffer for evil, persecution, injustice, let us avoid revenge, vengeance and hatred, and pray for our persecutors. Overcome evil with good. (cf. Rom 12:21). We entrust to God all adversity to achieve freedom and peace of mind. "

"He who receives the Lord into their lives and loves him with all his heart is capable of a new beginning. He manages to  carry out the will of God: to create a new form of life inspired by love and destined for eternity. The apostle Paul adds: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Cor 3:16). If we are really aware of this reality, and our lives are deeply molded by it, then our witness is clear, eloquent and effective. "

Benedict XVI concluded by pointing out that "the day after tomorrow, February 22, we will celebrate the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. To him, the first of the apostles, Christ himself entrusted the task of teacher and pastor for the spiritual guidance of the People of God, so that they may rise up to Heaven. I therefore urge all pastors to " assimilate that “new style of life” which was inaugurated by the Lord Jesus and taken up by the Apostles " (Letter Proclaiming Year for Priests). We invoke the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and of the Church, to teach us to love one another and to welcome us as brothers, sons of the Heavenly Father. "

 

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