Christmas can help counter the pessimism that has spread today as a result of the pandemic, Pope Francis said in his weekly audience in Rome today.
Contemplation of the birth of Jesus, through the child's helplessness and humility, can help prevent a sense of being overwhelmed by defeat and failure, he said.
This was an example of how Christmas is so much more than a “consumerist party”.
The Pope said: “This gift of grace we receive through the simplicity and humanity of Christmas... it can remove from our hearts and minds the pessimism, which today has spread even more due to the pandemic.
“We can overcome that disturbing sense of bewilderment, not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by defeats and failures, in the newfound awareness that that humble and poor Child, hidden and helpless, is God himself, made man for us.”
He spoke of how Christmas has become a universal holiday, and even those who do not believe in the Christian gospel, perceive the charm of the festival.
“The Christian, however, knows that Christmas is a decisive event, a perennial fire that God has kindled in the world, and cannot be confused with ephemeral things.”
On Sunday, the Pope warned that consumerism has “kidnapped” Christmas.
Today he said: “Christmas must not be reduced to just a sentimental or consumerist party, full of gifts and good wishes but poor in Christian faith, and also poor in humanity. Therefore, it is necessary to stem a certain worldly mentality.”
One way to prepare was to meditate in silence in front of the crib.
“The crib is a catechesis of that reality, of what was done that year, that day.”
He urged prayer for “the grace of amazement: in the face of this mystery, this reality so tender, so beautiful, so close to our hearts, may the Lord give us the grace of amazement, to meet him, to draw close to him, to draw close to all of us.”
If the pandemic has forced people to stay more distant, Jesus in the crib, shows the way of tenderness and how to be close, to be human, he concluded.
Loading ...
