Pope Francis recites his first Angelus of the New Year, focusing on the importance of entrusting us to the motherly gaze of Mary – through whom anything is possible.
By the writer of the Vatican News staff
Pope Francis opened his first Angelus of the New Year by urging the faithful to join in “placing ourselves under the motherly and loving gaze of the Most Holy Mary.” The Pope explained that the liturgy of this day celebrates Mary “as the mother of God”.
Pope Francis went on to explain that as we journey along the paths of time, “the reassuring and comforting look of the Blessed Virgin Mary” is one of encouragement as we entrust our pain and torment to her, “who can do all things” . Mary looks at us with the same motherly tenderness with which she looked at her son Jesus, and this look is “an encouragement,” he said. This look allows this time “given to us by the Lord” to be one spent “for our human and spiritual growth,” the Pope continued; a time “to smooth out hatred and division”; “To feel that we are all more like brothers and sisters”; “Build and not destroy” and “take care of each other and the creation”.
World Day of Peace
The Pope continued with the theme of this year’s Word Peace Day: The care culture as a way to peace ‘. This theme, the Pope continued, “is devoted to caring for others and for creation”.
Pope Francis further noted that “the painful events that have marked the path of humanity over the past year, especially the pandemic, teach us the need to take an interest in the problems of others and share their concerns”. This attitude, he continued, “represents the way that leads to peace.” He explained that it is an attitude that “promotes the building of a society based on relationships of brotherhood”.
“Each of us, the men and women of our time, are called to work for peace every day and in every area of life, by reaching out to a brother or sister who needs a word of comfort, a gesture of tenderness. , a helping hand of solidarity ”, said the Pope.
Peace that comes from within
“Peace can be built when we begin to have peace with ourselves and those around us,” he continued, explaining that this means “removing the obstacles that prevent us from caring for those in need and poverty.” What is needed, the Pope stressed, is to develop a mindset and culture of care “to overcome the unfortunately prevailing indifference, disagreement and rivalry”.
Peace is not only the absence of war, but a life rich in meaning, planned and lived in personal fulfillment and brotherly sharing with others. Then that peace so desired and always threatened by violence, selfishness and wickedness becomes possible and attainable ”, he said.
“In families, at work, in nations: peace. Peace. And now that we think today’s life is ruled by wars, hostilities, so many things that destroy … we want peace. And that’s a gift.”
Concluding his New Year’s Angelus reflection, Pope Francis prayed that the Virgin Mary “obtain for us from heaven the precious good of peace” and expressed hope that “peace will reign in the hearts and families of people; at places of work and leisure; in communities and nations ”.
Finally, the Pope wished all the faithful, and everyone around the world, “a happy and peaceful 2021: a year full of confidence and hope.”