In his words before praying today's midday Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the prophecy from Micah 3:1-4 in today's readings for Mass, particularly the words "He himself shall be peace!" That prophecy of messianic peace, he said, represents "a peace that is laboriously sought and awaited". He said that the mystery of Christmas "commits Christians to face the barriers, the crises, often unknown and hidden, and the conflicts of their lives, with the sentiments of Jesus, to become the instruments and messengers of peace everywhere, to bring love where there is hate, forgiveness where there is offense, joy where there is sadness, and truth where there is error, according to the beautiful expressions of a famous Franciscan prayer." After the Angelus, his English language greeting spoke about Mary's visit to Elizabeth.
Zenit and Benedetto XVI Forum have full English translations. The Daily Bulletin has the original Italian text and greetings in several languages. Asia News has an article.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Johnny Dollar | December 25, 2009 at 09:06 AM