With a once again universal vision, the Pope touched on a wide range of topics in the Audience of this Wednesday: the Jubilee of hope, the example of St. Josephthe Lunar New Year for the Chinese familieshis recollection of the victims of extermination in the concentration camps in World War II, the call for the cessation of violence in the DR Congo, peace in the world, and the memory of St. John Bosco on the 31st.
The central theme of his catechesis, centered on Jesus Christ, our hope, and centered on the infancy of Jesus, was the Angel's announcement to St. Joseph and his response of faith.
"Their love was put to the test."
"Joseph enters the scene in Matthew's Gospel as the betrothed of Mary. For the Jews, the betrothal was a true juridical bond, preparing for what would happen about a year later, the celebration of the marriage," the Pope began.
It was during this time that Joseph discovered Mary's pregnancy "and his love was put to a severe test. Faced with such a situation, which would lead to the breaking of the engagement, the Law suggested two possible solutions: either a public legal act, such as summoning the woman to court, or a private act, such as giving the woman a letter of repudiation."
José trusts
"Matthew defines Joseph as a 'just' (zaddiq) man, a man who lives according to the Law of the Lord, who is inspired by it on every occasion of his life." In a dream, Joseph hears these words: 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, with you. For the child that is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Mt 1:20-21)".
In the face of this revelation, the Pope stressed, "Joseph does not ask for more proof, he trusts. Joseph trusts in God, he accepts God's dream for his life and that of his betrothed. Thus he enters into the grace of those who know how to live the divine promise with faith, hope and love".
"Believe, hope and love", "obedience".
The Successor of Peter continued: "JoséIn all this, he does not utter a word, but believes, hopes and loves. He does not speak with 'words to the wind', but with concrete deeds. He belongs to the race of those whom the Apostle James calls those who 'put the Word into practice' (cf. James 1:22), translating it into deeds, into flesh, into life. Joseph trusts in God and obeys: 'His being inwardly attentive to God... spontaneously becomes obedience' (Benedict XVI, The Infancy of Jesus, Milan-Vatican City 2012, 57)".
Sisters, brothers, Francis urged, "let us too ask the Lord for the grace to listen more than we speak, the grace to dream God's dreams and to responsibly welcome Christ who, from the moment of our baptism, lives and grows in our lives."
DR Congo: appeal to the international community
"I express my concern about the worsening security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Congo", the Pope revealed. "I urge all parties to the conflict to commit themselves to cease hostilities and to protect the civilian population of Goma and other areas affected by military operations."
"I also follow with apprehension what is happening in the capital, Kinshasa, hoping that all forms of violence against people and their property will cease as soon as possible. While praying for the speedy restoration of peace and security, I appeal to the people of Kinshasa for the appeal the local authorities and the international community to do everything possible to to resolve the situation of conflict by peaceful means".
Lunar New Year: peace, serenity and health
Addressing the Chinese-speaking pilgrims, the Pope recalled that -in East Asia and in different parts of the world, millions of families are celebrating the Lunar New Year today, an occasion to live more intensely family relationships and friendships. With my best wishes for the New Year, may my blessing reach all of you, as I invoke peace, serenity and health for each one of you from the Lord".
Custodians of the truth and the memory of extermination in World War II
In his greeting to the Poles, Francis recalled "your compatriots who, together with members of other nations, were victims of extermination in the German concentration camps during the Second World War".
"Be custodians of the truth and of the memory of this tragedy and its victims, among whom there were many Christian martyrs," he said. "Remember your constant commitment to peace and to the defense of the dignity of human life in all nations and religions. I bless you from my heart.
