Here in Italy the main Italian TV station presents every Sunday a live streaming of the papal prayer of the Angelus from St. Peter's Square. As many other faithful, we the Somascans gather around at noon right before lunch to watch the images, to pray, and to receive the apostolic blessing. As usual, therefore, today we were all sitting in front of the TV some minutes before noon. When the transmission began what we saw brought a big smile to our faces.
We had never seen so many people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus as the crowd that we saw on TV today. This unusual amount of faithful gathered was a clear sign of how much support our Pope is receiving from the members of the Church present in this city. I found out later on that there were between 100.000 to 150.000 souls praying with the Pope and welcoming his message. Through the TV transmission we joined them for the occasion.
On this first Sunday of Lent the Pope has highlighted the huge importance of today's Gospel for our preparation for Easter and for our Spiritual growth. Jesus did not give in to any temptations and so the Pope has reminded us that Christ is always the victor in this spiritual battle. Interestingly, Pope Benedict did not mention anything about his decision of renouncing. He concentrated on the message of the Gospel instead. He suggested that today's Gospel of St. Luke is clearly saying to all of us that, like Jesus, we are not called to follow ourselves and our personal ambitions but to follow God. (This suggestion, nonetheless, is what we believe Benedict XVI is doing by deciding to leave). The Pope went on to encourage all of us not to fear facing the battle against the evil spirit, reminding everyone that what matters is to fight this battle along with Jesus, together with Jesus, and never without Him. To Jesus, he added, we can go through Mary. The Pope concluded his messages ONCE AGAIN inviting us to pray for him especially this week in which he will be in a week-long spiritual retreat. So let us continue to pray and to be with Jesus.
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