the day today, in the "political elements", we once again talked about the mafia in the words of Giovanni Falcone, who gave himself to combat this scourge and to uphold justice. For this we represent the words of Pope Benedict XVI last October (his speech during his visit to the land of Sicily): "Do not be afraid to fight evil! Together, you will be like a forest growing, perhaps silent, but capable of giving fruit, to bring life and renewal in a profound way your land! Do not yield to the influence of the mafia, which is a road of death, which is incompatible with the Gospel. " A huge Benedict XVI, in Palermo, Italy as we had anticipated on-News a few days ago, he used words clear, direct and firm against the Mafia. Seventeen years after the historic warning to the mob John Paul II in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, even excommunication for the Mafia. Pope Ratzinger has re-emphasized speaking, by 17, young people waiting in the "Piazza Politeama" of the Sicilian capital. Hints in the morning during the homily: "There is no shame of evil, that which offends God, that offends the man, there is no shame harm that is caused by the civil community and religious activities that do not like to come to light! The temptation of discouragement, resignation, comes to those who are weak in faith, to those who confuse evil with good, to those who think that before the evil, often severe, there is nothing to be done. Instead, those who are firmly founded on faith, who has full confidence in God and lives in the Church is able to bring the disruptive power of the Gospel. " But first things first. In this Sunday, October 3, 2010, the Pope left Rome Ciampino airport to Palermo at 8:15. Arriving at the Airport "Falcone e Borsellino Punta Raisi Cinisi (Palermo) about an hour later, already hailed from 10 people in my Sicily this large at the Foro Italico of Palermo and presided over the celebration of Holy Mass starting at 11. In his homily, he recalled, firstly, that: "The visit comes at an important regional church gathering of young people and families" but also "to share with you the joys and hopes, efforts and commitments, ideals and aspirations of this community diocese. " The pope then added a curious historical note: "when the ancient Greeks landed in this area called it" Panormos "meaning" all port ": a name that would give security, peace and serenity. Coming for the first time among you, my wish is that really this city, inspired by the authentic values its history and its tradition, is always able to achieve for its inhabitants, as well as for the entire nation, the hope of serenity and peace summed up in his name. " And then he made his first hint that things do not go to Sicily: "I know that in Palermo, as well as in Sicily, there are difficulties, problems and concerns: I think, in particular, to those who live their lives in precarious conditions, due to lack of work, the uncertainty for the future, the physical and moral suffering, and because of organized crime. Today I am in your midst to express my closeness and my remembrance in prayer. I'm here to give you a strong encouragement to Do not be afraid to testify clearly the human and Christian values, so deeply rooted in faith and in the history of this land and its people. " So a clear reference to the liturgy: "Every liturgical assembly area is the presence of God gathered for the Holy Eucharist, the disciples of the Lord are immersed in the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, proclaim that He is risen, is alive and giver of life, and testify that its presence is a grace, strength and joy. We open our hearts to his word and accept the gift of his presence! All texts of the liturgy of this Sunday speak of faith, which is the foundation of the Christian life. Jesus taught his disciples to grow in faith, to believe and to trust Him more and more, to build their lives on the rock. For this they ask him: "Increase our faith" (Lk 17:6). It 's a good question to the Lord, is the fundamental question of the disciples did not ask for material gifts are not asking for privileges, but ask for the grace of faith, to guide and enlighten life, ask for the grace of God and to recognize be in intimate relationship with Him, receiving from him all his gifts, even those of courage, love and hope. Without responding directly to their prayer, Jesus uses an image paradoxical to express the incredible vitality of the faith. As a lever moves much of its weight, so faith, a little bit of faith, is able to do things unimaginable, amazing, like uprooting a large tree and planted in the sea. Faith - trust in Christ, welcome, let us turn, follow to the end - makes it humanly impossible things possible, in all reality. It also bears witness to the prophet Habakkuk in the first reading. He begs the Lord from a dreadful situation of violence, lawlessness and oppression, and in this very difficult situation and insecurity, the prophet introduces a vision that offers a glimpse of the plan that God is drawing, and is implementing in history "succumbs to one who has the right mood, while the just shall live by his faith "(Hab 2:4). The wicked, who does not act according to God, confident in its power, but it actually rests on a fragile and tenuous, so it will bend, is destined to fall, the right hand, looks forward to a strong but hidden reality, trust God and this will have life. " At this point the Holy Father recalls the history of the local Church and says: "In past centuries, the Church in Palermo has been enriched and inspired by a fervent faith, which found its highest and most successful expression of the saints and the Holy . I believe in Santa Rosalia, whom you venerate and honor and that, by Monte Pellegrino, watching over your city, of which he is Patron. And I also think of other two great saints of Sicily, Agatha and Lucy. Not to be forgotten as your sense of religion has always inspired and guided the family life, feeding values, such as the capacity for giving and solidarity towards others, especially the suffering, and the innate respect for life, which are a precious legacy be jealously guarded and raise even more today. Dear friends, keep this precious treasure of faith of your Church are always Christian values \u200b\u200bto guide your decisions and your actions. " Continuing to explain the second part of today's Gospel, the Holy Father presents the teachings of humility, 'closely linked to the faith. " "Jesus invites us to be humble and gives the example of a servant who has worked in the fields. When he returns home, the boss asks him to work again. According to the mentality of the time of Jesus, the owner had every right to do so. The servant had to master a complete availability, and the owner does not feel bound to him because he was commanded. Jesus makes us aware that, before God, we are in a similar situation: we are servants of God we are not creditors against him, but we are still owed, because we owe him everything, because everything is his gift. Accept and do his will, is the attitude that you have every day, in every moment of our lives. In front of God We must never introduce ourselves as one who believes that he rendered a service and deserve a great reward. This is an illusion that can arise in all, even in people who work hard to serve the Lord in the Church. Instead, we should be aware that, in fact, we never do enough for God we must say, as Jesus tells us: 'We are useless servants. We did what we had to do "(Lk 17:10). This is an attitude of humility that really puts us in our place and allows the Lord to be very generous with us. In fact, in another passage from the Gospel, he promises us that "we gird himself, we will sit at table and wait on them" (Lk 12.37). Dear friends, if you make every day the will of God, with humility, without expecting anything from him, Jesus himself will serve us, to help us, to encourage us, to give us strength and serenity. " Remembering the apostle Paul, and the second reading of the Sunday liturgy, the Pope spoke of faith. "Timothy is encouraged to have faith and, through it, to practice charity. The disciple is urged to revive faith in the gift of God that is in him for the laying on of hands of Paul, that is the gift of ordination, received to carry out the apostolic ministry as an associate of Paul (2 Timothy 1:6). He must not leave off this gift, but must make it even more alive through faith. " So a first, strong message of love to Sicily: "your beautiful island was among the first regions of Italy to accept the faith of the Apostles to receive the proclamation of the Word of God, faith in order to accede to so generous that even in the midst of difficulties and persecution, it is always sprouted in the flower of holiness. Sicily was and is a land of saints, from every state of life, who lived the Gospel with simplicity and integrity, "and an invitation to the lay faithful in Sicily," Do not be afraid to live and witness to the faith in various areas of society, in many situations of human existence, especially in those difficult! Faith gives you the power of God to be hopeful and courageous, to go ahead with another decision to take the necessary steps to put a face more beautiful to your land. And when they encountered the opposition of the world, after hearing the words: "do not be ashamed to bear witness to our Lord". " Remembering Don Pino Puglisi, Sicily and other saints and blessed, the Pope said, "they are always united to guard and nurture in everyone the desire to proclaim, in word and deed, the presence and the love of Christ . People of Sicily, looking with hope to the future! Fa 'emerge in all its light the good that you want, and you're looking for! Live with courage the values the Gospel to shine the light of the good! With the power of God all things are possible! The Mother of Christ, the Virgin Odigitria you so venerated, assist you and lead you to the knowledge of his Son. " During the recitation of the Angelus, the Pope has entrusted the Immaculate Sicily: "Sicily is full of Marian shrines, and from this place, I feel spiritually at the center of this" network "of devotion, which connects all cities and all countries of the island. I wish to entrust to the Virgin Mary all the people of God living in this beloved land. Support families in love and education; make fruitful the seeds of vocation that God sows largely among young people instill courage in trials, hope in difficulties, renewed energy in doing good. The Madonna comfort the sick and all the suffering, and help the Christian communities in them so that no one is marginalized or needy, but everyone, especially the smaller and weaker, feels welcomed and valued. Mary is the model of Christian life. To you I ask you especially brisk walk on the path of holiness and joyful in the footsteps of many shining examples of Christ, children of Sicilian land. " After lunch with the Bishops of the Archbishopric of Palermo in Sicily, during which he discussed the various problems facing the Church in Sicily and Sicily, during which many bishops who do not usually follow the directives of Pope, "had to" listen! 17 At a meeting with priests, men and women religious and seminarians in the Cathedral of Palermo. In his speech the Pope said, "as the Successor of Peter, I am happy to confirm in one faith and in the deep communion that the Lord Jesus Christ won for us." Speaking directly to priests, suddenly serious, said: "I know that you work with zeal and intelligence, tirelessly. The Lord Jesus, whom you have consecrated life is with you! Always be men of prayer, to be even masters of prayer. Your days are marked by the times of prayer, during which, following the example of Jesus, holding you in conversation regenerating with the Father. It is not easy to stay faithful to these daily meetings with the Lord, especially now that the pace of life has become hectic and occupations absorb more and more. But we have to convince us: the moment of prayer is crucial: in it, it acts more effectively God's grace, giving fertility to the ministry. So many things we prize, but if we are not inwardly in communion with God we can not give anything not to others. We must always reserve the time to stand with him "(Mk 3:14). Then, speaking of the Eucharist, source and summit of Christian life, has asked some provocative questions to the priests, "we can say that the Eucharist is central for us, for our priestly life? ";" What care we place in preparation for Holy Mass, to celebrate it, to remain in worship? ";" Our churches are truly "God's house, where his presence attracts people, which unfortunately is often the absence of God? ". Then he remembered, "the priest is for the faithful: animates them and supports them in the exercise of the common priesthood of the baptized in their journey of faith, have hope, live in love, the love of Christ. Dear priests, always have a special attention to youth. As said in this land, the Venerable John Paul II, open wide the doors of your parishes, youth, so that they can open the doors of their hearts to Christ! Never find them closed. " He sunk his finger on it, because, unfortunately, many churches open for just half an hour or an hour daily Mass and then sadly remain closed. For this reason the Holy Father reaffirmed "the priest can not stay away from the daily concerns of the people of God, indeed, must be very close, but as a priest, always with a view of salvation and the Kingdom of God, who is a witness and dispenser a life other than earthly. He is carrying a strong hope of a "trustworthy hope", that of Christ, with which to address this, though often difficult. E 'essential for the Church that the priest's identity is preserved, with its "vertical" dimension. The life and personality of St. John Vianney, but also of many saints of your land, as Saint Annibale Maria Di Francia, Blessed Giacomo Cusmano or Blessed Francesco Spoto, are a demonstration particularly illuminating and vigorous. " So moved by his recollection "of the barbaric assassination of Father Giuseppe Puglisi, a member of this presbytery, killed by the Mafia. He had a heart that burned with an authentic pastoral charity, in his zealous ministry has given ample space to the education of children and young people, and together they ensured that every Christian family is the fundamental vocation of the first live children's religious education. The same people entrusted to his pastoral care was able to drink the spiritual richness of this good shepherd, which is being the cause of beatification. I urge you to keep alive the memory of his fruitful priestly witness imitating the heroic example. " Then he invited everyone to "follow Jesus without compromise, as proposed in the Gospel, giving witness to the beauty of being Christian in a radical way. It is especially for you to keep alive the baptized of the fundamental requirement of the Gospel. Indeed, your presence and your style, infuse the ecclesial community a valuable boost to the "high standard" of living the Christian vocation; indeed we might say that your life is like a sermon, eloquent, albeit often silent. Yours, dear friends, is a kind of old and ever new life, despite the decrease in the number and strength. But be confident: our times are not those of God's providence. It 'necessary to pray and grow in personal holiness and community. Then shall the Lord. " Seminarians (and indirectly also to bishops and priests) recalled with inflexibility: "Be obedient to the directives of superiors and responsible for your growth in Christ, and learn from him the love every child of God and the Church." The extraordinary visit of the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ ended with the youth meeting in Piazza Politeama. There the Holy Father said that we must take seriously the combination-young families because "this can not be found together only occasionally, or functional. It has a meaning, a human value, a Christian Church. " Then the Pope urged young Sicilians to know and imitate the newly-blessed Chiara Badano. He then reminded the Sicilian, "the relationship between parents and children - you know - is fundamental, but not limited to just a tradition - I know this is very much felt by the Sicilians. It 's something more, that Jesus himself taught us: it is the torch of faith that is passed from generation to generation, the flame is also present in the rite of Baptism ... the family is crucial because there the first buds in the human perception of the meaning of life. Buds in relation to the mother and father who are not masters of the lives of children, they are the first collaborators of God for the transmission of life and faith. This happened in an exemplary and unique in the family of the Blessed Chiara Badano, but this happens in many families. Also in Sicily there are splendid examples of young plants grown as a beautiful, lush, having sprung up in the family, with God's grace and human cooperation. I think the Blessed Pina Suriano, the Venerable Maria Carmelina Maria Leone and Great, great educator; the Servants of God Rosario Livatino, Mario Joseph Restivo, and many young people who you know! Often their work is not news, because it hurts the most noise, but the strength, the future of Sicily! The image of the tree is very significant to represent the man. The Bible uses it, for example, in the Psalms. Psalm 1 says: Blessed is the man who meditates on the law of the Lord, "is like a tree planted by streams of water, / which yields its fruit in its time" (v. 3). These "rivers" may be the "river" of tradition, the "river" of faith from which it draws its lifeblood. Dear young people of Sicily, be trees that are rooted in the "river" of good! Do not be afraid to fight evil! Together, you will be like a forest growing, perhaps silent, but able to bear fruit, to bring life and renewal in a profound way your land! Do not yield to the influence of the mafia, which is a road of death, which is incompatible with the Gospel, how many times your Bishops have said and say (actually very little !...). The apostle Paul takes up this image in Colossians, where he urges Christians to be "rooted and grounded in Christ, in the faith" (cf. Col 2:7). ... The image of the tree says that everyone needs a fertile soil to sink their roots, a land rich in nutrients that develop the person: the values, but it is mainly love and faith, knowledge of the true face of God, knowing that He loves us infinitely, faithfully, patiently, to give his life for us. In this sense the family is "small Church" because God sends, conveys the love of Christ, in virtue of the Sacrament of Marriage. Divine love that united man and woman, and that made them parents, is able to arouse in the hearts of children the seed of faith, the light of the profound meaning of life. " The pope, finally, remember that "the family, to be" little church "has to live fully inserted into the" big church ", that the family of God that Christ came to form. ... Ecclesial movements and associations do not serve ourselves, but Christ and the Church. " So the call to "study" the school of Mary: "make yourself completely at the disposal of God, let yourself be shaped by his Word and his Spirit, and be still, and increasingly, salt and light of this your beloved country."
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