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Pope’s Morning Homily: No Double Lives, Convert by Deborah Castellano Lubov
No more double lives. Convert now…
According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis gave this advice to faithful during his daily morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta, as he reflected on how converting shouldn’t be on our list of procrastinated items, because scandal destroys.
Drawing inspiration from today’s Gospel, the Pope urged: “Cut off your hand,” “Pluck out your eye,” but “don’t scandalize the little ones,” referring to the just, those who confide in the Lord, who believe simply in the Lord.
“But what is scandal?” the Pontiff asked, noting scandal is saying one thing and doing another.
“It is a double life, a double life. A totally double life: ‘I am very Catholic, I always go to Mass, I belong to this association and that one; but my life is not Christian, I don’t pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people, I am dirty in my business, I launder money…’ A double life. And so many Christians are like this, and these people scandalize others.”
How Many Times
“How many times have we heard – all of us, around the neighborhood and elsewhere – ‘but to be a Catholic like that, it’s better to be an atheist.’ It is that, scandal. You destroy. You beat down.”
This, Francis lamented, happens every day, and is seen all the time on TV or in the papers.
“In the papers, there are so many scandals, and there is also the great publicity of the scandals. And with the scandals there is destruction.”
Example
Francis then gave the example of a company that was on the brink of failure. While the workers were wishing to avoid a just strike, the company had not done well, and they wished to talk with the company’s authorities.
The people, the Argentine Pontiff noted, didn’t have money for their daily needs because they had not received their wages. Yet, the head of the company, a Catholic, Pope Francis said, was taking his winter vacation on a beach in the Middle East, and the people knew it.
“These are scandals,” Francis said.
“Jesus talks, in the Gospel, about those who commit scandal, without saying the word ‘scandal,’ but it’s understood: But you will arrive in heaven and you will knock at the gate: ‘Here I am, Lord!’ – ‘But don’t you remember? I went to Church, I was close to you, I belong to this association, I did this… Don’t you remember all the offerings I made?’
‘Yes, I remember. The offerings, I remember them: All dirty. All stolen from the poor. I don’t know you.’
That, Francis warned, will be Jesus’ response to these scandalous people who live a double life.
Double Life
“The double life comes from following the passions of the heart, the capital sins that are the wounds of original sin,” hiding the passions, but following them, the Pope explained. The first Reading, in fact, tells us that they do not satisfy, and not to trust in riches, to not say, “There’s enough for myself.” And so Pope Francis calls us to not put off conversion:
Pope Francis then encouraged all faithful to consider if there is something of a double life within us, and if as we seem to be good believers, good Catholics, underneath, we are doing something else.
‘But, sure, the Lord will eventually forgive everything, but I’ll keep going as I have been…’ If there is something saying, “Sure, this is not going well, I will convert, but not today: tomorrow.’ Let’s think about that. And let us profit from the Word of the Lord.
Pope Francis concluded, reminded those present that scandal destroys.
Pope to Soccer Players: ‘Educate and Transmit Values by Deborah Castellano Lubov
Remember you are to be role models, educating and transmitting values…
Pope Francis gave this advice to members of the Spanish Villarreal football club, managers and coaching staff, this morning in the Vatican. The team competes against ‘AS Roma’ tonight in the city’s Olympic Stadium in their second leg of the “Europa League” Championship.
Francis began by reminding them that soccer, as the rest of sports, is an image of life and of society. In the field, you need one another. Each player puts his professionalism and ability for the benefit of a common ideal, which is to play well to win.
Acknowledging the effort, training, and sacrifice need, Francis remind how important it is that each player maintains a spirit of fellowship, “leaving aside individualism and personal aspirations. If one plays thinking of the good of the group, then it is easier to obtain victory.”
The Pontiff also reminded them of their responsibility to educate and transmit values.
“Many people, especially young people, admire and observe you. They want to be like you. Through your professionalism, you are transmitting a way of being to those that follow you, especially the new generations.”
“This,” he continued, “is a responsibility and it should motivate you to give the best of yourselves to exercise those values, which in soccer must be palpable: fellowship, personal effort, beauty of the game, team play.”
The Pope also reminded them that to be a good athlete, one must demonstrate ‘gratitude,’ for example to all those many people that have helped us and without whom, we wouldn’t be here.
“You can recall those with whom you played as a child, your first team companions, trainers, assistants and also the fans who encourage you in every game with their presence.”
Francis encouraged them to continue playing, giving the most beautiful and best of themselves so that others can enjoy those agreeable moments.
“It helps me a lot to think of soccer because I like it, and it helps me.” Francis added off the cuff, noting, “But the one I think of most is the goalkeeper.”
“Why?” he asked. “Because he has to catch the ball from wherever it is kicked, he doesn’t know from where it will come. And life is like this.”
“Things must be taken from where they come and as they come. And when I am faced with situations I did not expect, which must be resolved, and came from here when I expected them from there.”
Pope Francis thanked the players for coming and gave them his blessing.
* * *
On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Text: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-to-spanish-villarreal-football-club/
Pope’s Address to Spanish Villarreal Football Club by ZENIT Staff
Below is a Zenit translation of Pope Francis’ address to members of the Spanish Villarreal football club, managers and coaching staff, this morning in the Vatican.The team competes against ‘AS Roma’ tonight in the city’s Olympic Stadium in their second leg of the “Europa League” Championship:
* * *
Dear Friends, good morning. I greet you joyfully, footballers, trainers and managers of the Villarreal team and I thank you for this visit, on the occasion of the game you will play this afternoon. Soccer, as the rest of sports, is an image of life and of society. In the field, you need one another. Each player puts his professionalism and ability for the benefit of a common ideal, which is to play well to win. To achieve this affinity, much training is necessary, but it is also important to invest time and effort in strengthening the team’s spirit, to be able to create that connection of movements: a simple look, a little gesture, an expression communicate so many things in the field. This is possible if one acts with a spirit of fellowship, leaving aside individualism and personal aspirations. If one plays thinking of the good of the group, then it is easier to obtain victory. Instead, when one thinks of oneself and forgets the others, we say, in Argentina, that he is someone who likes to “eat the ball” himself.
Moreover, when you are playing soccer, you are, at the same time, educating and transmitting values. Many people, especially young people, admire and observe you. They want to be like you. Through your professionalism, you are transmitting a way of being to those that follow you, especially the new generations. And this is a responsibility and it should motivate you to give the best of yourselves to exercise those values, which in soccer must be palpable: fellowship, personal effort, beauty of the game, team play.
One of the characteristics of a good athlete is gratitude. If we think of our life, we can bring to mind the memory of the many people that have helped us and without whom we wouldn’t be here. You can recall those with whom you played as a child, your first team companions, trainers, assistants and also the fans who encourage you in every game with their presence. This memory does us good, not to feel superior but to be aware that we are part of a great team, which began to be formed a long time ago. To feel this way helps us grow as people, because our “game” is not only ours, but also of the others, who in some way form part of our lives. And this also strengthens the spirit of the amateurgame, which must never be lost; it must be recovered every day, so that it keep that freshness in you, with that greatness of spirit.
I encourage you to continue playing, giving the most beautiful and best of yourselves so that others can enjoy those agreeable moments, that make the day different. I join you, I pray for you, I implore the blessing of the Virgin of Grace and the intercession of Saint Paschal Bailon, Patrons of the city of Villarreal, so that you are supported in life and can be instruments to take to all those that follow and encourage you, and to your friends the joy and peace of God.
It helps me a lot to think of soccer because I like it, and it helps me. But the one I think of most is the goalkeeper. Why? Because he has to catch the ball from wherever it is kicked, he doesn’t know from where it will come. And life is like this. Things must be taken from where they come and as they come. And when I am faced with situations I did not expect, which must be resolved, and came from here when I expected them from there, I think of the goalkeeper, so I keep you very present. Thank you.[Original text: Spanish] [Translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
Pope on Jewish Relations: ‘Our Dialogue Is Well-Established and Effective’ by Deborah Castellano Lubov
“The fraternal and institutional dialogue between Jews and Christians is now well-established and effective, made so by encounters that are ongoing and collaborative.”
Pope Francis made this observation to a group of rabbis, led by Rabbi Abraham Skorka, the Pontiff’s dear friend from Buenos Aires, for a special presentation of the Torah, stressing the gift of the torah which they present him with today “is fully a part of this dialogue, which finds expression not only in words, but also in gestures.”
This “new and precious” edition of the Torah, the Holy Father said, “brings us together today around the Torah as the Lord’s gift, his revelation, his word.”
Recalling that Saint John Paul II called the Torah the “living teaching of the living God” (Address for the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Declaration “Nostra Aetate”, 6 December 1990, 3), Francis stressed it manifests “the paternal and visceral love of God, a love shown in words and concrete gestures, a love that becomes covenant.”
The very word covenant, the Jesuit Pope recalled, is resonant with associations that bring us together, noting that God is the greatest and most faithful covenantal partner.
“God,” Francis explained, “desires a world in which men and women are bound to him and as a result live in harmony among themselves and with creation.
“In the midst of so many human words that lead to tragic division and rivalry,” he continued, “these divine words of covenant open before all of us paths of goodness to walk together.”
The Pontiff applauded their publication as a fruit of a “covenant” between persons of different nationalities, ages and religious confessions, who joined in this common effort.
After underscoring that every edition of sacred Scripture “possesses a spiritual value that infinitely surpasses its material value,” Francis asked God to bless all those who have contributed to the work.
***
On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Text: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-to-rabbi-skorka-rabbis-for-presenting-new-edition-of-torah/
Pope’s Address to Rabbi Skorka, Rabbis for Presenting New Edition of Torah by ZENIT Staff
Below is a Vatican-provided translation of Pope Francis’ address to a group of Rabbis led by Rabbi Abraham Skorka, a dear friend of the Pontiff’s from Buenos Aires, on the occasion of their presentation to him of a new edition of the Torah:
* * *
Dear Friends,
I offer a warm welcome to all of you, who have come to present me with a new and precious edition of the Torah. I thank Rabbi Abraham Skorka for his kind words, and I am very grateful to all of you for this thoughtful gesture, which brings us together today around the Torah as the Lord’s gift, his revelation, his word.
The Torah, which Saint John Paul II called “the living teaching of the living God” (Address for the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Declaration “Nostra Aetate”, 6 December 1990, 3), manifests the paternal and visceral love of God, a love shown in words and concrete gestures, a love that becomes covenant. The very word covenant is resonant with associations that bring us together. God is the greatest and most faithful covenantal partner. He called Abraham in order to form from him a people who would become a blessing for all peoples of the earth. God desires a world in which men and women are bound to him and as a result live in harmony among themselves and with creation. In the midst of so many human words that lead to tragic division and rivalry, these divine words of covenant open before all of us paths of goodness to walk together. This publication is itself the fruit of a “covenant” between persons of different nationalities, ages and religious confessions, who joined in this common effort.
The fraternal and institutional dialogue between Jews and Christians is now well-established and effective, made so by encounters that are ongoing and collaborative. The gift that you are making to me today is fully a part of this dialogue, which finds expression not only in words but also in gestures. The extensive introduction to the text and the editor’s note emphasize this dialogical approach and communicate a cultural vision of openness, mutual respect and peace that accords with the spiritual message of the Torah. The important religious figures who have worked on this new edition have paid special attention both to the literary aspect of the text and to the full-colour illustrations that add further value to the publication.
Every edition of sacred Scripture, however, possesses a spiritual value that infinitely surpasses its material value. I ask God to bless all those who contributed to this work and, in a particular way, to bless all of you, to whom I renew my personal gratitude.[Original text: Italian] [Vatican-provided translation]
France: Father Lombardi Is Awarded the Legion of Honor by Anita Bourdin
Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, President of the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Foundation and former Director of the Holy See Press Office, received from the hands of the Ambassador of France to the Holy See, Mister Philippe Zeller, the medal of the of the Order of the Legion of Honor, on February 22, 2017 at the Villa Bonaparte in Rome, headquarters of the French Embassy to the Holy See, announced to ZENIT yesterday the Embassy itself by way of preview.
Father Lombardi, former Director of La Civiltà Cattolica and former Provincial of the Italian Jesuits, spent almost his entire career in the realm of communications in the Vatican.
In 1991, he was appointed Director of Programs of Vatican Radio and in 2005 Delegate Administrator. In 2001, he became Delegate Administrator of the Vatican Television Center, a post he held until January 22, 2013, when Father Dario Edoardo Vigano replaced him.
On July 11, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Father Federico Lombardi Director of the Holy See Press Office. As he speaks German well, he became a sort of “spokesman of the Pope.”
He continued his mission also during Pope Francis’ pontificate until August 1, 2016. On February 29, 2016, he left the management of Vatican Radio in the ambit of the reorganization of the communications services of the Holy See and the institution of the Secretariat for Communication.
At present, he is President of the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation.
In Russia, Orthodox and Catholics Are ‘Saving Unborn Children Together’ by Eva-Maria Kolmann
Orthodox and Catholics in Russia are developing joint initiatives for the protection of life. International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need is promoting the collaboration. ACN’s Russia expert Peter Humeniuk explains the how and why.
***
The Foreign Office of the Moscow Patriarchate held an international seminar at the end of January, during which the Orthodox and Catholic churches jointly addressed the issue of abortion. What was accomplished?
Both Churches share a deep anxiety in the face of the million-fold killing of unborn children. When Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow met in Havana one year ago, the protection of life—besides the persecution of Christians in the Middle East—was one of the most important issues mentioned in their joint declaration. The Moscow seminar was thus a direct result of this historic meeting.
The protection of life is an issue on which the two Churches completely agree, also in terms of theology. This makes it easy to take joint, concrete steps in the spirit of ecumenism. The seminar focused on analyzing the situation, but also and particularly on finding solutions. The seminar was a platform for personal encounters and for an intense and constructive exchange of experiences. The Catholic Church has vast international experience on this front and the Orthodox Church can learn from this.
Why is this issue such an important one for the church in Russia at the moment?
Unfortunately, abortion is very prevalent in Russia. This can be traced back to Soviet times, when many people considered abortion to be a sort of “normal” form of family planning. Unfortunately, this mentality is still deeply rooted. The Orthodox Church has always spoken out against abortion, of course, as did its Catholic sister Church.
But now there is a growing awareness that concrete deeds and initiatives need to be developed to help the women. On the whole, the Russian people are beginning to become aware of this problem—if for no other reason than the low birth rate in Russia, as well as across the Western world.
What is the role of ACN?
ACN has already been working for a quarter of a century to set up a dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church. Saint John Paul II gave our founder Father Werenfried van Straaten this assignment in 1992. The unheard-of sacrifices the Orthodox Church in Russia had to make during Soviet times had prompted this request. In the wake of the fall of the Soviet Union, the Orthodox Church practically had to start at zero again. And that was the moment to initiate an “ecumenism of solidarity” on all levels to follow the “ecumenism of the martyrs” that had been lived out by the Christians of various denominations in the Soviet camps and prisons.
Bear in mind that Vatican II referred to the Russian Orthodox Church as a “sister Church.” ACN has the privilege of being able to continue in the role of “bridge builder” and to help develop and fund joint projects.
INTERVIEW: “We, Christian Minority in Egypt, Put All Our Trust in the Lord” by Federico Cenci
Just over 3 million people, about 8% of the population of Egypt, data that goes back to 1986, the last census furnished by the Egyptian Authorities, on the presence of Coptic Christians in the country of the sphinxes.
On the basis of Baptism registers, the Coptic Church estimates its presence at about 11 million faithful out of a total of 54 million inhabitants. In any case, a minority and very ancient presence, which for two thousand years lives in a land which at times is hostile.
The persecutions are like a specter, which every now and then returns to agitate over the head of Egypt’s Christians, as happened last December 11, when a suicide attack resulted in 27 victims in Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo.
Last February 6, the bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Alexandria of the Copts — in the Vatican on their ad Limina visit –, also spoke about the situation that the Christian community in Egypt is living. ZENIT caught up with His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, to talk about the subjects at the center of the conversation with the Pontiff and of the atmosphere that is breathed among Christians in Egypt.
* *
ZENIT: Your Beatitude, how were your conversations with the Holy Father?
Patriarch Sedrak: There was a very cordial atmosphere in more than an hour of conversations. As he has demonstrated on every occasion during his pontificate, the Holy Father has had the capacity to make us feel his hospitality and human and spiritual closeness.
ZENIT: Were you accompanied by Egyptian faithful or did you come alone?
Patriarch Sedrak: As requested for these occasions, the Synod of the Coptic Catholic Church came alone, made up of eight Bishops.
ZENIT: Where did you lodge during your stay in Rome? Did you meet with representatives of the Coptic Community in Italy?
Patriarch Sedrak: We lodged at the Domus Romana Sacerdotalis, on via Traspontina. We celebrated Holy Mass, on Sunday afternoon, February 5, with the Coptic Community of Rome. At the end of the Mass, we spent time with the faithful.
ZENIT: What topics did you discuss with the Pope?
Patriarch Sedrak: We discussed primarily the pastoral work in our Church, particularly the itinerary of formation to undertake to meet the new challenges of our time.
ZENIT: What is the state of mind of Christians in Egypt today? After the attack of last December 11 at the Orthodox Cathedral of Cairo, were other violent episodes registered …
Patriarch Sedrak: There was a very violent terrorist attack in the Orthodox Cathedral during prayer. The fact that women and children were affected increased our grief and dismay in all the Egyptian people. However, the reaction was one of absolute civility and showed the true unity of the whole population. The Lord sustained the grief of each one of us and especially of the relatives of the victims. Now it can be said that everything has returned to normality, although we can never be completely tranquil, as the rest in every part of the world up to today. But we put all our trust in the Lord.
ZENIT: In any case, are encouraging signs emerging for Christians in Egypt on the part of President al-Sisi?. Is it easier for you to build churches today?
Patriarch Sedrak: The President is a very open and attentive person to Christians’ situation. He has given and continues to give signs of closeness and care for all the social realities and, in particular, for minorities. Hence, we are grateful to the Lord for having given us such a President. However, the political situation finds it difficult to open up, because of bureaucratic slowness and little clarity. This concerns also the building of new churches.
ZENIT: How are ecumenical relations between Catholic and Orthodox Copts?
Patriarch Sedrak: In recent times, great steps forward have been taken in relations between Catholics and Orthodox. The new Coptic-Orthodox Pope Tawadros II is a man very open to dialogue and encounter. However, we cannot deny that at the level of practical recognition, especially in what concerns the Sacraments, there is still a long way to go. We walk with confidence towards unity, knowing that it is indispensable to be credible witnesses of the Gospel.
ZENIT: What are the greatest needs of the Christian community in Egypt? What are the pastoral priorities?
Patriarch Sedrak: As every Christian community, we are in need above all of spiritual gifts, necessary to be able to incarnate the Gospel in our time and in our beloved land of Egypt. As we were saying earlier, what we need in the main is the search for unity in diversity of the Confessions and Traditions present in Egypt. The pastoral priorities are the teaching of the Catechism, the formation of the new generations, of young people, the pastoral care of needy families, as well as integration and participation in social life through schools and hospitals.
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