The last lesson of Benedict XVIAt the Angelus today, Pope Francis reflected on the figure of St. John the Baptist, whose "spirit of service" is shown in the Gospel. Considering the work done by the Forerunner, says the Holy Father, "one might think that he would be given a prize, a relevant position in the public life of Jesus." But this does not happen. On the contrary, "once his mission is accomplished, John knows how to step aside, he withdraws from the scene to leave the place to Jesus".
John the Baptist, says the Pope, "preached to the people, he gathered disciples and has formed them for a long time. And yet he does not tie anyone to himself. This is difficult, but it is the sign of the true educator: not to tie people to oneself."
Free of charge service
It is in this example that we find today's lesson: "In the spirit of serviceJohn the Baptist, with his ability to make room, teaches us something important: freedom from attachments. Through the Baptist, the Gospel emphasizes that "service implies gratuitousness, caring for others without any advantage for oneself, without second aims". The sole objective must be to show "that the reference point of life is Jesus".
The Pope applies this idea of service to different vocations. Thus, he says: "Let us think how important this is for a priest, who is called to preach and celebrate not for the sake of prominence or interest, but to accompany others to Jesus. Let us think how important it is for parents, who raise their children with many sacrifices and then must leave them free to go their own way in work, in marriage, in life".
The Pope is aware that this is not easy: "Freeing oneself from one's attachments and knowing how to set oneself aside is difficult, but it is very important: it is the decisive step to grow in the spirit of service".
A brief examination of conscience
In conclusion, Francis invites us to ask ourselves some questions: "Are we capable of making room for others, of listening to them, of letting them be free, of not tying them to us by pretending to be grateful? Do we draw others to Jesus or to ourselves? And even more, following John's example: do we know how to rejoice when people set out on their own path and follow their call, even if that implies a little detachment from us? Do we rejoice in their achievements, sincerely and without envy?"
And since MariaThe Pope invites us to place ourselves under her protection, saying: "May Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, help us to free ourselves from attachments in order to make room for the Lord and make room for others.
