HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR - BASILICA OF ST JOHN LATERAN) 13 DECEMBER 2015
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE FRANCIS
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Third Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent
HOLY MASS AND OPENING OF THE HOLY DOOR - BASILICA OF
ST JOHN LATERAN
The invitation extended by the Prophet to the ancient
city of Jerusalem is also addressed today to the whole Church and to each one
of us: “Rejoice... exault!” (Zeph 3:14). The reason for joy is expressed with
words which inspire hope, and which can look to the future with serenity. The
Lord revoked all condemnation and has decided to live among us.
This Third Sunday of Advent draws our gaze towards
Christmas, which is now near. We cannot let ourselves be taken in by weariness;
sadness in any form is not allowed, even though we may have reason, with many
concerns and the many forms of violence which wound our humanity. The coming of
the Lord, however, must fill our hearts with joy. The prophet in whose very
name — Zephaniah — is inscribed the content of this announcement, opens our
hearts to trust: “God protects” his people. In a historical context of great
tyranny and violence, especially by men of power, God makes it known that he
will reign over his people, that he will no longer leave them at the mercy of
the arrogance of their leaders, and that he will free them from all anguish.
Today, we are asked to “let not our hands grow weak” (cf. Zeph 3:16) due to
doubt, impatience or suffering.
We have opened the Holy Door, here and in all the
Cathedrals of the world. Even this simple sign is an invitation to joy. The
time of great forgiveness begins. It is the Jubilee of Mercy. It is time to
rediscover the presence of God and his fatherly tenderness. God does not love
rigidity. He is Father; he is tender. He does everything with the tenderness of
the Father. We too are like the crowds who ask John, “What then shall we do”
(Lk 3:10). The response of the Baptist is immediate. He invites us to act
justly and to look after the needs of those who are in need. What John demands
of his interlocutors, however, is what is reflected in the law. We, however,
are asked for a more radical commitment. Before the Holy Door that we are
called to pass through, we are asked to be instruments of mercy, knowing that
we will be judged on this. Those who are baptized know that they have a greater
task. Faith in Christ leads to a lifelong journey: to be merciful like the
Father. The joy of passing through the Door of Mercy is accompanied by a
commitment to welcome and witness to a love that surpasses justice, a love that
knows no boundaries. It is for this infinite love that we are responsible, in
spite of our contradictions.
Let us pray for ourselves and for all who pass through
the Door of Mercy, that we may understand and welcome the infinite love of our
Heavenly Father, who recreates, transforms and reforms life.
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