Pope Francis at Sunday Mass says " I advise you all to take the Gospel...and read it at home, don't worry." and "Our special prayer is for the deceased and their family.." Full Video

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FROM THE CHAPEL OF CASA SANTA MARTA

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Introduction to Mass

In these days, we listen to the news of many deceased: men, women who die alone, without being able to take leave of their loved ones. We think about them and pray for them. But also for families, who cannot accompany their loved ones in the passing away. Our special prayer is for the deceased and their family members.

FULL TEXT Homily of Pope Francis

This passage from the Gospel of John (cf 9: 1-41) speaks for itself. It is an announcement of Jesus Christ and also a catechesis. I would just like to mention one thing. Saint Augustine has a phrase that always strikes me: "I am afraid of Christ when he passes". "Timeo Dominum transeuntem". "I am afraid that Christ will pass" - "But why are you afraid of the Lord?" - "I am afraid I will not realize that it is Christ and let him pass". One thing is clear: in the presence of Jesus the true feelings of the heart blossom, the true attitudes; come out. It is a grace, and for this reason Augustine was afraid to let it pass without realizing that it was passing.

Here it is clear: it passes, a blind man heals and scandal is unleashed. And then comes the best of people and the worst of people. The blind man… The wisdom of the blind man is surprising, as he answers. He was used to moving with his hands, he had a sense of danger, he had a sense of dangerous things that could make him slip. And he moves like a blind man. With a clear, precise argument, and then also use irony, this luxury is allowed.

The doctors of the Law knew all the laws, all, all. But they were fixed there. They did not understand when God passed. They were rigid, attached to their habits. Jesus himself says it in the Gospel: stick to habits. And if to maintain these habits they had to do an injustice, it was not a problem, because habits said that this was not justice; and that rigidity led them to do injustices. That feeling of closure comes out before Christ.

Just this. I advise you all to take the Gospel today, chapter 9 of the Gospel of John, and read it at home, don't worry. Once, twice, to understand well what happens when Jesus passes: that feelings come out. Understand well what Augustine tells us: I am afraid of the Lord when he passes, that I do not notice it and do not recognize it. And don't convert me. Do not forget: read today once, twice, three times, as long as you want, chapter 9 of John.

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Prayer to make spiritual communion:

My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I desire you in my soul. Since I cannot receive You sacramentally now, at least spiritually come to my heart. As already come, I embrace you and I join everything with you. Don't let it ever separate me from you.

FULL TEXT + Image Source: Vatican.va - Unofficial Translation