This morning, in the Basilica of Saint Benedict in Nursia, His Eminence, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness celebrated a Mass to commemorate the first anniversary of the earthquake that struck that region one year ago.
Your Excellency,
Distinguished Authorities,
Dear priests,
Dear citizens of Nursia,
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We are gathered today for this Eucharistic celebration in front of the facade of the Basilica of Saint Benedict, one year after the earthquake in Valnerina which, after the first tremors that struck on 24 August, between 26 and 30 October 2016 disrupted the normal rhythm of life in these lands, rich in art, beautiful landscapes and cultural traditions, which have found their greatest inspiration in the Christian faith, lived and witnessed to throughout the centuries. A faith that has been lived and witnessed to throughout the centuries, which has shaped the face of these hills and these spaces, ideal for reflection and contemplation, which have shaped your consciences and the architecture of your town squares and your churches.
The beauty of creation and the labours of mankind who cares for it, the harmonious succession of the valleys, rivers, lakes and mountains and the work of mankind to wisely construct towns and cities is nevertheless always part of the great mystery of the universe, dealing with the irrationality of the forces of nature, which often appear as opportunities and riches to be wisely managed and sometimes expressed as destructive forces, which we cannot prevent with precision, nor entirely control.
An earthquake demonstrates one of these forces, and it reminds us that, even if we can do a lot to control its effects, our existence remains subject to the immensity of cosmic forces. Above all, it reminds us that creation - splendid and worthy of our admiration - remains in the hands of the Creator and all human beings are also in His hands, led by Him to our final destiny of salvation, peace and happiness, in that place where there will be no earthquakes in the soil nor any anxieties in our souls, a place where we will realize all our dreams.
The facade of this Basilica, covered with the scaffolding needed for its reconstruction, is an emblem of the earthquake, but more than that, it is evidence of human beings' ability to rise again, to return to hope, to look up toward the heavens and, with the strength of this gaze, to turn back toward the earth and to put all our intelligence, our mastery, our imagination and our commitment to the service of a combined choir, to rise together, along with the walls of the houses, the places of work and the churches, also the morale of people and of communities who are happy to be alive.
The readings for this 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time are helpful. There is a common thread that unites them and it is precisely the close relation between the love of God and the love we have for others, between contemplation and action, between adoration of Our Lord and entire availability to serve others, for each of us to be visible witnesses of charity for others.
As we have heard in today's passage fro Matthew's gospel, the greatest commandment has a two-fold inseparable form, one of which confirms the truth and the necessity of the other.
In fact, we cannot truly love our neighbour if we do not love the Lord, if we do not give him the place of first importance, if - explicitly or implicitly - we do not recognize the fact that we are dependent on Someone who is much greater than we are, someone who is at the root of our being and who we will meet in all his fullness at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.
Without this interior peace that comes from knowing the love of God and from being reconciled to Him, love for our neighbour is subject to the serious risk of grave distortion and paralysis. Without loving God, love for our enemies is something inconceivable, and it also becomes very difficult for us to love those who are far away from us, those who are different from us. In the end, it is even difficult for us to intelligently love those who are close to us, ourselves and the creation in which we are immersed and in which we move. In fact, when a solid relationship with God is missing, we end up no longer even able to endure our own limits, much less the wounds and the aspirations that existence itself involves.
However, on the other hand, love for God which wants to isolate itself from being human would instead be its most evident denial. If God sent his Son into the world to save us, if the cross demonstrates the vertex of God's love for the human being, how can someone who believes in God not love another human being? How can we not realize that the most secure confirmation of our love for God, who we cannot see, is to love, to show compassion and tenderness for human beings who we meet every day?
As the apostle James said: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says that he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or a sister has no clothing and no food for the day, and one of you says to him or to her: 'Go in peace, keep warm and well fed', but does not provide the necessities for his or her body, what use is that? So it is with faith: if it is not followed with good works, faith itself is dead (Jas 2:14-17).
In his turn, Saint John Chrysostom warned: Do you honour the body of Christ? Do not allow it to be scorned in its members, in the poor, deprived of clothing to wear. Do not pay honour to Christ's body here in the church with silk fabrics, while outside you overlook the fact that Christ is suffering from the cold and from nakedness ... The body of Christ that is here on the altar does not need clothing, neither do our souls, but souls which are outside of this place need much care (Homily number 5 on the gospel of Matthew).
The Pharisees were scholars, but they were closed up and incapable of opening themselves to the fullness of truth, believing that they were putting Jesus in danger with their question about which was the greatest commandment. However, the Lord's response puts before the mirror every conscience that claims to believe in God and invites it to confirm His faith, his mercy, his kindness and his generosity toward others in need and toward everyone.
The Pharisees, like all those who are hiding behind the literal observance of laws and traditions in order to betray the undisturbed and authentic spirit, are those who will find themselves in trouble, those who have been sent to live in the fullness of God's love and love for their neighbours, if they truly intend to be religious.
As a result of natural disasters, after the elements have begun, there is also evidence of generosity, altruism, the rush to give one's own time, one's own energies and one's own money in order to help those who are most affected and people who are in need. In such situations, together with public powers, synergy with associations of civil society and individuals, have committed themselves to common actions in order to bring about effective relief.
I think in concrete terms of the various public institutions and particularly of those who protect civilians and other various local and state institutions, and the solidarity demonstrated to the Church of Spoleto-Norcia by the Holy Father, by various Dioceses and by the Episcopal Conference; I think of the generosity of parishes, institutions and religious associations, and in a special way, I think of the support ad the closeness that has been demonstrated by diocesan and national offices of Caritas. I think of the many private citizens who have given their active contributions.
Significant also was the commitment of European institutions who have funded the work of reconstructing this Basilica, implicitly recognizing the irreplaceable role of Christianity and culture in inspiring all of Europe.
The generosity that is unavoidably demonstrated in the aftermath of calamity also represents an implicit manifestation of faith, which begins with recognizing the fact that we are all brothers and sisters and that we can help one another to resolve our difficulties. Every gesture of charity contains within itself a seed of faith and of the light of hope.
I say this not to provide any religious interpretation for every gesture of goodness, but because, where ever we encounter generosity and charity, we also perceive the perfume of God, the gentle aroma of his presence. Anyone who is moved by charity, even if he is not fully aware of it, is moved by God, because God is charity, God is the fullness of love that is freely given.
From this highly symbolic place, I call out to all civil, ecclesial and private institutions that they work together with abundance and consistency, in harmony with all those who are concerned, in order that, the synergy demonstrated in the early days following the earthquake may continue, and indeed, intensify, in order to complete the planned work and the efforts that have begun, streamlining the procedures as much as possible. Make every effort to avoid the scattering of people into various neighbourhoods, repeatedly injured by events involving the movements of the earth which have come about in past decades, including collapses and various other injuries.
Therefore, I hope for a united and definitive action that motivates both resources and intelligence to be employed in rebuilding, together with houses and Churches, also the souls of persons, so that they might overcome fear and resignation, two invisible calamities, yet almost as serious as an earthquake.
Dear brothers and sisters, I am happy to bring you the greetings and blessing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, united with his prayer and his affection.
The Pope, remembering the visit that he paid to San Pellegrino in Norcia on 4 October 2016 and the audience during which he met with people from this earthquake zone on 5 January of this year, encourages you to continue the journey, to not allow yourselves to be overcome by difficulties, but to look to the future with hope.
Cari fratelli e sorelle, sono lieto di portarvi il saluto e la benedizione del Santo Padre Francesco, unita alla Sua preghiera e al Suo affetto. He encourages you to draw from the example of your own history the strength which has always allowed you to rise again after every difficult trial.
The Holy Father hopes that you will all soon overcome the aftermath of this earthquake through the commitment and in solidarity with many other brothers and sisters. He encourages you to place your affectionate trust in the Lord Jesus and in his Mother Mary, to open yourselves, the doors of your hearts and your minds to them without hesitation, so that you might receive the Lord's consolation and the energy that you need in order to continue the work of reconstruction with determination and courage.
Amen.
Homily of His Eminence, Pietro Cardinal Parolin
on the first anniversary of the earthquake in Nursia
Your Excellency,
Distinguished Authorities,
Dear priests,
Dear citizens of Nursia,
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We are gathered today for this Eucharistic celebration in front of the facade of the Basilica of Saint Benedict, one year after the earthquake in Valnerina which, after the first tremors that struck on 24 August, between 26 and 30 October 2016 disrupted the normal rhythm of life in these lands, rich in art, beautiful landscapes and cultural traditions, which have found their greatest inspiration in the Christian faith, lived and witnessed to throughout the centuries. A faith that has been lived and witnessed to throughout the centuries, which has shaped the face of these hills and these spaces, ideal for reflection and contemplation, which have shaped your consciences and the architecture of your town squares and your churches.
The beauty of creation and the labours of mankind who cares for it, the harmonious succession of the valleys, rivers, lakes and mountains and the work of mankind to wisely construct towns and cities is nevertheless always part of the great mystery of the universe, dealing with the irrationality of the forces of nature, which often appear as opportunities and riches to be wisely managed and sometimes expressed as destructive forces, which we cannot prevent with precision, nor entirely control.
An earthquake demonstrates one of these forces, and it reminds us that, even if we can do a lot to control its effects, our existence remains subject to the immensity of cosmic forces. Above all, it reminds us that creation - splendid and worthy of our admiration - remains in the hands of the Creator and all human beings are also in His hands, led by Him to our final destiny of salvation, peace and happiness, in that place where there will be no earthquakes in the soil nor any anxieties in our souls, a place where we will realize all our dreams.
The readings for this 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time are helpful. There is a common thread that unites them and it is precisely the close relation between the love of God and the love we have for others, between contemplation and action, between adoration of Our Lord and entire availability to serve others, for each of us to be visible witnesses of charity for others.
As we have heard in today's passage fro Matthew's gospel, the greatest commandment has a two-fold inseparable form, one of which confirms the truth and the necessity of the other.
In fact, we cannot truly love our neighbour if we do not love the Lord, if we do not give him the place of first importance, if - explicitly or implicitly - we do not recognize the fact that we are dependent on Someone who is much greater than we are, someone who is at the root of our being and who we will meet in all his fullness at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.
Without this interior peace that comes from knowing the love of God and from being reconciled to Him, love for our neighbour is subject to the serious risk of grave distortion and paralysis. Without loving God, love for our enemies is something inconceivable, and it also becomes very difficult for us to love those who are far away from us, those who are different from us. In the end, it is even difficult for us to intelligently love those who are close to us, ourselves and the creation in which we are immersed and in which we move. In fact, when a solid relationship with God is missing, we end up no longer even able to endure our own limits, much less the wounds and the aspirations that existence itself involves.
However, on the other hand, love for God which wants to isolate itself from being human would instead be its most evident denial. If God sent his Son into the world to save us, if the cross demonstrates the vertex of God's love for the human being, how can someone who believes in God not love another human being? How can we not realize that the most secure confirmation of our love for God, who we cannot see, is to love, to show compassion and tenderness for human beings who we meet every day?
As the apostle James said: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says that he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or a sister has no clothing and no food for the day, and one of you says to him or to her: 'Go in peace, keep warm and well fed', but does not provide the necessities for his or her body, what use is that? So it is with faith: if it is not followed with good works, faith itself is dead (Jas 2:14-17).
In his turn, Saint John Chrysostom warned: Do you honour the body of Christ? Do not allow it to be scorned in its members, in the poor, deprived of clothing to wear. Do not pay honour to Christ's body here in the church with silk fabrics, while outside you overlook the fact that Christ is suffering from the cold and from nakedness ... The body of Christ that is here on the altar does not need clothing, neither do our souls, but souls which are outside of this place need much care (Homily number 5 on the gospel of Matthew).
The Pharisees were scholars, but they were closed up and incapable of opening themselves to the fullness of truth, believing that they were putting Jesus in danger with their question about which was the greatest commandment. However, the Lord's response puts before the mirror every conscience that claims to believe in God and invites it to confirm His faith, his mercy, his kindness and his generosity toward others in need and toward everyone.
The Pharisees, like all those who are hiding behind the literal observance of laws and traditions in order to betray the undisturbed and authentic spirit, are those who will find themselves in trouble, those who have been sent to live in the fullness of God's love and love for their neighbours, if they truly intend to be religious.
As a result of natural disasters, after the elements have begun, there is also evidence of generosity, altruism, the rush to give one's own time, one's own energies and one's own money in order to help those who are most affected and people who are in need. In such situations, together with public powers, synergy with associations of civil society and individuals, have committed themselves to common actions in order to bring about effective relief.
I think in concrete terms of the various public institutions and particularly of those who protect civilians and other various local and state institutions, and the solidarity demonstrated to the Church of Spoleto-Norcia by the Holy Father, by various Dioceses and by the Episcopal Conference; I think of the generosity of parishes, institutions and religious associations, and in a special way, I think of the support ad the closeness that has been demonstrated by diocesan and national offices of Caritas. I think of the many private citizens who have given their active contributions.
Significant also was the commitment of European institutions who have funded the work of reconstructing this Basilica, implicitly recognizing the irreplaceable role of Christianity and culture in inspiring all of Europe.
The generosity that is unavoidably demonstrated in the aftermath of calamity also represents an implicit manifestation of faith, which begins with recognizing the fact that we are all brothers and sisters and that we can help one another to resolve our difficulties. Every gesture of charity contains within itself a seed of faith and of the light of hope.
I say this not to provide any religious interpretation for every gesture of goodness, but because, where ever we encounter generosity and charity, we also perceive the perfume of God, the gentle aroma of his presence. Anyone who is moved by charity, even if he is not fully aware of it, is moved by God, because God is charity, God is the fullness of love that is freely given.
From this highly symbolic place, I call out to all civil, ecclesial and private institutions that they work together with abundance and consistency, in harmony with all those who are concerned, in order that, the synergy demonstrated in the early days following the earthquake may continue, and indeed, intensify, in order to complete the planned work and the efforts that have begun, streamlining the procedures as much as possible. Make every effort to avoid the scattering of people into various neighbourhoods, repeatedly injured by events involving the movements of the earth which have come about in past decades, including collapses and various other injuries.
Therefore, I hope for a united and definitive action that motivates both resources and intelligence to be employed in rebuilding, together with houses and Churches, also the souls of persons, so that they might overcome fear and resignation, two invisible calamities, yet almost as serious as an earthquake.
Dear brothers and sisters, I am happy to bring you the greetings and blessing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, united with his prayer and his affection.
The Pope, remembering the visit that he paid to San Pellegrino in Norcia on 4 October 2016 and the audience during which he met with people from this earthquake zone on 5 January of this year, encourages you to continue the journey, to not allow yourselves to be overcome by difficulties, but to look to the future with hope.
Cari fratelli e sorelle, sono lieto di portarvi il saluto e la benedizione del Santo Padre Francesco, unita alla Sua preghiera e al Suo affetto. He encourages you to draw from the example of your own history the strength which has always allowed you to rise again after every difficult trial.
The Holy Father hopes that you will all soon overcome the aftermath of this earthquake through the commitment and in solidarity with many other brothers and sisters. He encourages you to place your affectionate trust in the Lord Jesus and in his Mother Mary, to open yourselves, the doors of your hearts and your minds to them without hesitation, so that you might receive the Lord's consolation and the energy that you need in order to continue the work of reconstruction with determination and courage.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment