Pope
Francis and the eyes of mercy
(Vatican Radio) On the morning of Monday 21st of September, the
day the Church remembers Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, Pope Francis
presided over Holy Mass at Holguin’s 'Plaza de la Revoluçion'.
It’s the first time a Roman Pontiff visits Holguin, the third
largest city in Cuba which lies in the south east of this island nation and for
the record is where Christopher Columbus landed in 1492.
And so the presence of Pope Francis in what’s also the
largest diocese of the Catholic Church in Cuba drew thousands of
faithful to the city’s 'Plaza de La Revoluciòn', as he presided over Holy
Mass. Faithful who listened in silence when he delivered his homily drawing
inspiration from the Saint of the day, the Apostle and Evangelizer, Saint
Matthew.He highlighted the figure of this former tax collector,
considered at the time to be a traitor. One whom he pointed out underwent a
conversion when Jesus, as none had ever done before, rested his gaze upon him
with the eyes of mercy.
A gaze which he remarked unlocked Matthew’s heart, setting
him free and filling him with hope for a new life. And Pope Francis
added, even if we do not dare to raise our eyes to the Lord, we too can feel
his merciful gaze rest upon us. Because Jesus can anticipate our needs,
he went on to explain, he can see beyond appearances, beyond sin, beyond
failures and unworthiness and beyond our social rank. He came precisely
to seek out all those who feel unworthy. Let us allow the gaze of Jesus to look
at us and to become our joy, our hope.
And may this give rise to missionary activity, service,
self-giving. Jesus’ love heals our short-sightedness and pushes us to
look beyond, not be satisfied with appearances. He invites us to follow
him when it comes to showing tenderness and mercy towards the sick, prisoners,
the elderly and families in difficulty.
Finally Pope Francis highlighted the effort and the sacrifice of
the Church in Cuba to bring Christ’s word and presence to everyone, even in the
most remote areas, entrusting those present to Cuba’s Patroness, the Virgin
Mary, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, May her “eyes of mercy”, he concluded,
keep watch over each of you, your homes, your families, and all those who feel
that they have no place. May she protect us all as she once cared for Jesus.
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