Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The mission of John the Baptist was to “prepare and make even the way for the Messiah, and to call the people of Israel to repent of their sins and set right all iniquity. With demanding words John the Baptist announced imminent judgement… He warned against the hypocrisy of those who felt secure simply because they belonged to the chosen people.” On the Second Sunday of Advent, the 9th of December, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI devoted his midday Angelus reflection to the “austere figure” of the Precursor, mentioned in the Sunday Gospel.
“As we continue on the journey of Advent and as we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Christ, there resounds our communities in John the Baptist's call for conversion - the Pope told the crowds gathered in St Peter's Square -. His is a pressing appeal to open our hearts and welcome the Son of God who comes in our midst to announce God judgement … It is today, at this present moment, that our future destiny is shaped; it is with our concrete behaviour in this life that we decide our eternity. At the end of our days on earth, at the moment of death, we will be judged on the basis of our similarity to the Child who is soon to be born in the humble stable at Bethlehem, since he is the criteria of measurement which God has given humanity. Our heavenly Father who in his Only Son revealed to us His merciful love, calls us to follow in his footsteps making, as he did, our whole life a gift of love”.
Lastly the Pope said that the “clear and hard” words of John the Baptist, are “more than ever salutary for us, and for all men and women today when, unfortunately, very often the world lives and sees Christmas with a materialistic mentality. The ‘voice’ of the great prophet urges us to prepare the way for the Lord who comes to the deserts of today, outward and inward deserts, thirsting for Christ who is the living water”. Benedict XVI concluded prating for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary “that we may reach true conversion of heart, that we may make the necessary decisions to harmonise our mentality with the Gospel”.
After the Marian prayer the Pope mentioned that on Thursday 13 December in St Peter's Basilica he will meet the university students of Rome and he said: “I look forward to seeing many of you there to prepare ourselves for Holy Christmas invoking the gift of the Spirit of wisdom for the whole university community”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2007 - righe 29, parole 429)
