During the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis reflects on Jesus’ identity, urging Christians to welcome His light to open our hearts to the love of God.
By Devin Watkins
As the church celebrates Laetare Sunday, Pope Francis invited Christians to draw closer to the light of Christ and ask for his forgiveness.
Prior to the Angelus afternoon prayer, the Pope considered why the Fourth Sunday of Lent has such a joyful focus.
The reason, he said, is given in the gospel: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3: 16). “
“This joyful message is the heart of the Christian faith,” said the Pope, “God’s love culminated in the gift of his Son to weak and sinful humanity.”
Raised high
In the Gospel of the day, Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night to inquire about His identity.
Jesus, the Pope said, shakes Nicodemus’ faith by presenting Himself under three aspects: “the Son of man exalted on the cross; the Son of God sent to the world for salvation; and that of the light that distinguishes those who follow the truth from those who follow lies. “
The first aspect of Jesus’ identity, the Pope said, recalls the snake that Moses lifted up in the desert to save the people from death from snake bites.
Likewise, he noted, “Jesus was lifted up to the cross, and those who believe in him are healed of sin and life.”
To bring light of salvation
Pope Francis said that the second aspect – that of the Son of God – emphasizes God’s gift of His only Son for the salvation of mankind. God, he added, longs for our eternal salvation, and Jesus’ mission is one of salvation for all.
Jesus also describes himself to Nicodemus as “the light”, which is opposite to darkness.
“The coming of Jesus into the world leads to a choice,” said the Pope. “He that chooses darkness will undergo a judgment of condemnation; he that chooses light will receive a judgment of redemption.”
Judgment, he noted, is the result of our own free choice. “He who does evil seeks darkness; those who seek the truth, that is, those who practice good, come to the light. “
Rejoice in God’s forgiveness
Pope Francis then urged Christians to live our fast as a journey toward the light of Christ.
We are called, he said, to “welcome the light into our conscience, to open our hearts to God’s infinite love, to His mercy full of tenderness and goodness.”
God, he concluded, always forgives our sins when we ask for them.
Under the patronage of Our Lady
And the Pope prayed that the Virgin Mary would give us the courage to allow Jesus to “throw our faith into a crisis.”
“It’s a healthy crisis,” he said, “for our healing, so that our joy may be full.”