Pope to priests of Rome: Promote
new life Jesus wants to give us
 |
| Prieste at the 2019 Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Rome. With this year's Chrism Mass postponed, Pope Francis has written a letter to his diocesan priests (Vatican Media) |
In a letter addressed to the priests of the Diocese of Rome,
Pope Francis looks forward to the next phase of efforts to respond to the new
situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Vatican News
Pope Francis has written a letter to the priests of the
Diocese of Rome, saying he wants "to draw near to them, to accompany,
share, and confirm” their journey in providing a pastoral response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. “The new phase we are beginning”, he writes, “asks us for
wisdom, foresight, and common commitment, so that all the efforts and
sacrifices made so far will not be in vain”.
The Holy Father said he had hoped to meet with Rome’s priest
at the Chrism Mass, which normally takes place each year on Holy Thursday. Due
to the coronavirus emergency, however, this year’s Chrism Mass has been
postponed. “Since a celebration of a diocesan character is not possible, Pope
Francis explains to the diocesan clergy, “I am writing this letter to you”.
As Bishop of Rome, the Pope says he has been “encouraged” by
exchanges with priests, who have shared with him their own witness, as well as
their concerns and needs.
Along with the rest of Italy, Rome has been under severe
restrictions because of the coronavirus crisis. Italy has been particularly
hard hit by the disease, with more than 230,000 diagnosed cases, and over
33,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.
In his letter, Pope Francis looks to the first apostolic
community, which gathered in the Upper Room after the first Easter. Although
the doors to the room were closed because the disciples were afraid, the Risen
Christ appeared to them, offering them peace and sending them forth with the
gift of the Holy Spirit.
Close to the people
The Holy Father notes that the priests of Rome have been
close to their people, experiencing with them the difficulties of the lockdown,
and sharing their sorrows. They have accompanied those who have lost loved
ones, health care providers, essential workers, the excluded and the
vulnerable. And with them, he writes, “We have experienced our own
vulnerability and helplessness”.
The novel coronavirus does not distinguish between
individuals, families, social groups or nations, he writes. Instead, everyone
has been affected by the disease. Our presuppositions have been challenged and
new and old questions have forced themselves on our attention. These questions,
says Pope Francis, cannot be answered simply by reopening and going back to the
way things were. Instead, we are called “to promote the new life that the Risen
Lord wants to give us”. Over against temptations, we must encourage the hope
that can “stimulate our creativity, our ingenuity, and our ability to respond”.
A new day
Jesus “did not choose or seek an ideal situation to break
into the lives of His disciples”, the Pope writes. But when He appeared to the
disciples in the locked room, Jesus “was able to transform all logic and give
new meaning to history and events”.
Pope Francis writes that Jesus’ presence announces “a new
day”. The Pope encourages priests to not be afraid of the complex scenarios
that will come about as we move beyond the first stage of the pandemic
response, reminding them that Christian joy comes from the certainty that Jesus
is in our midst”. Those who, like Jesus, can welcome and embrace life as it
really is, who allow themselves to “weep with those who are weeping” are
capable “of reaching the depths of life and being truly happy.”
Things can change
It is the duty of priests “to announce and prophesy the
future”, writes Pope Francis. The Resurrection “is not only an historical event
of the past”, but rather, “the announcement of the salvation of a new time that
resounds and is ready to break out today”.
It is faith that allows us to establish “a new time” with
evangelical creativity.
“If an intangible presence has been able to disrupt and
overturn the priorities and seemingly unbreakable global agendas,” Pope Francis
writes, “let us not fear that it is the presence of the Risen One that traces
our path, opens horizons and gives us the courage to live this historic and
singular moment”.
He calls on priests to “once again be surprised by the Risen
One”. The Resurrection of Jesus, the Pope says, “is the proclamation that
things can change”. And he reminds priests, “It is up to us to take
responsibility for the future and project it as brothers”.
To love and serve more
In the conclusion of his letter, Pope Francis explains, that
he wanted to share the things he has thought and felt during the pandemic with
his brother priests, “so that they may help us on the path of praise of the
Lord and service to our brothers and sisters”.
“I hope”, he writes, “that all of us will use them ‘to love
and serve more’”.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét