This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis presided over the Mass and the rite of opening the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome. Also on this day, a Door of Mercy is being opened in all dioceses throughout the world, either in the Cathedrals or in other especially designated churches.
Following the introductory rites and the penitential act, in the atrium of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, at 9:30 this morning, the Pope opened the Holy Door and paused in prayer at the threshold. Then, he was the first to enter the Basilica, followed by the concelebrants and by some representatives of various religious Orders and some of the lay faithful, and continued toward the Cathedra (the presidential chair), where he continued with the celebration of the Mass.
The invitation extended by the prophet to the ancient city of Jerusalem is also extended today to the entire Church and to each one of us: Rejoice ... exult (Zeph 3:14). The reason for this joy is expressed with words that inspire hope and look to the future with serenity. The Lord has taken away every condemnation and decided to live among us.
This third Sunday of Advent draws our gaze toward Christmas which is drawing close. We cannot allow ourselves to be overcome by fatigue; no form of sadness is allowed, even though we may have many reasons to be concerned about the many forms of violence that wound our humanity. The coming of the Lord, however, should fill our hearts with joy. The prophet, who carries within his very name - Zephaniah - the content of his proclamation, opens our hearts to trust: God protects his people. In a historical context of great abuses and violence, especially by men of great power and privilege, God makes it known that He alone will reign over his people, that he will never leave them at the mercy of the arrogance of their leaders, and that he will free them from every anxiety. Today, we are asked that we do not let our hands fall limp (cf Zeph 3:16) because of doubt, impatience or suffering.
The apostle Paul convincingly continues the teaching of the prophet Zephania and reiterates: The Lord is close (Phil 4:5). For this reason, we should rejoice always, and by means of our rejoicing, give witness to the closeness of our God and the care He gives to every person.
We have opened the Holy Door, here and in every Cathedral of the world. Even this simple sign is an invitation to joy. A time of great forgiveness has begun. This is the Jubilee of Mercy. This is the moment to rediscover the presence of God and his paternal tenderness. We too are like the crowds who asked John: What should we do? (Lk 3:10). The Baptist's answer was immediate. He invites us to act with justice and to be concerned with providing for those who are in need. The things that John asks of his questioners is however only that which is prescribed in the law. Instead, we are asked for a more radical commitment. Before the Holy Door which we are called to cross through, we ourselves are asked to be instruments of mercy, knowing that we will be judged by our actions. Those who have been baptized know that we have a greater commitment. Faith in Christ compels us on a journey that lasts a lifetime: a journey which involves being merciful like the Father is merciful. The joy of passing through the Door of Mercy is accompanied by the commitment to welcome and to bear witness to a love that surpasses justice, a love that knows no end. We are responsible for this infinite love, in spite of our contradictions.
Let us pray for ourselves and for all those who will pass through the Door of Mercy, that we may understand and welcome the infinite love of our heavenly Father, who recreates, transforms and reforms our lives.
Following the introductory rites and the penitential act, in the atrium of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, at 9:30 this morning, the Pope opened the Holy Door and paused in prayer at the threshold. Then, he was the first to enter the Basilica, followed by the concelebrants and by some representatives of various religious Orders and some of the lay faithful, and continued toward the Cathedra (the presidential chair), where he continued with the celebration of the Mass.
Homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for the celebration of the Mass
in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran
The invitation extended by the prophet to the ancient city of Jerusalem is also extended today to the entire Church and to each one of us: Rejoice ... exult (Zeph 3:14). The reason for this joy is expressed with words that inspire hope and look to the future with serenity. The Lord has taken away every condemnation and decided to live among us.
This third Sunday of Advent draws our gaze toward Christmas which is drawing close. We cannot allow ourselves to be overcome by fatigue; no form of sadness is allowed, even though we may have many reasons to be concerned about the many forms of violence that wound our humanity. The coming of the Lord, however, should fill our hearts with joy. The prophet, who carries within his very name - Zephaniah - the content of his proclamation, opens our hearts to trust: God protects his people. In a historical context of great abuses and violence, especially by men of great power and privilege, God makes it known that He alone will reign over his people, that he will never leave them at the mercy of the arrogance of their leaders, and that he will free them from every anxiety. Today, we are asked that we do not let our hands fall limp (cf Zeph 3:16) because of doubt, impatience or suffering.
The apostle Paul convincingly continues the teaching of the prophet Zephania and reiterates: The Lord is close (Phil 4:5). For this reason, we should rejoice always, and by means of our rejoicing, give witness to the closeness of our God and the care He gives to every person.
We have opened the Holy Door, here and in every Cathedral of the world. Even this simple sign is an invitation to joy. A time of great forgiveness has begun. This is the Jubilee of Mercy. This is the moment to rediscover the presence of God and his paternal tenderness. We too are like the crowds who asked John: What should we do? (Lk 3:10). The Baptist's answer was immediate. He invites us to act with justice and to be concerned with providing for those who are in need. The things that John asks of his questioners is however only that which is prescribed in the law. Instead, we are asked for a more radical commitment. Before the Holy Door which we are called to cross through, we ourselves are asked to be instruments of mercy, knowing that we will be judged by our actions. Those who have been baptized know that we have a greater commitment. Faith in Christ compels us on a journey that lasts a lifetime: a journey which involves being merciful like the Father is merciful. The joy of passing through the Door of Mercy is accompanied by the commitment to welcome and to bear witness to a love that surpasses justice, a love that knows no end. We are responsible for this infinite love, in spite of our contradictions.
Let us pray for ourselves and for all those who will pass through the Door of Mercy, that we may understand and welcome the infinite love of our heavenly Father, who recreates, transforms and reforms our lives.
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