If the Pope had said that the sinner, whose sins have been very serious but who genuinely and deeply repents, is closer to God than others (the prodigal son) then I would have applauded it loudly (see Bl Bartolomo Longo an ex Satanist who became an apostle of the Rosary) but to say that sinners are more loved by God period is open (once again) to misinterpretation of the most unfortunate kind. The Pharisees were sinners and Jesus did not say that they weren't, they did not ACKNOWLEDGE their sinfulness, they considered themselves justified exactly in the way that most sinners consider themselves to be today which is why this homily is deficient in the most basic of ways. The word repentant was missing. It surely should have been there. We might know what he was trying to say, the audience he was trying to reach almost certainly will not.
Here is the full text of Vatican Radio’s translation of Pope Francis’ Angelus address: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning. Today's Gospel invites us to reflect on the theme of salvation. Jesus is going up from Galilee to the city of Jerusalem, and along the way, says St. Luke the Evangelist, someone asked him,“Lord, will only a few people be saved?” (13:23). Jesus did not answer the question directly: it is not important to know how many are saved, but rather, it is important to know what is the path of salvation. And so Jesus responds to the question by saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough” (v. 24). What does Jesus mean? What is the gate by which we enter? And why does Jesus speak about a narrow gate? The image of the gate recurs several times in the Gospel and is reminiscent of home and hearth, where we find safety, love and warmth. Jesus tells us that there is a gate that allows us to enter into God's family, into the warmth of the house of God, of communion with Him. This gate is Jesus himself (cf. Jn 10:9). He is the gate. He is the gateway to salvation. He leads us to the Father. And the gate that is Jesus is never closed, this gate is never closed, it is always open and open to everyone, without distinction, without exclusions, without privileges. Because, you know, Jesus does not exclude anyone. Some of you might say to me, “But Father, surely I am excluded, because I am a great sinner. I have done so many things in my life.” No, you are not excluded! Precisely for that reason you are preferred, because Jesus prefers the sinner, always, in order to pardon him, to love him. Jesus is waiting for you, to embrace you, to pardon you. Don’t be afraid: He’s waiting for you. Be lively, have the courage to enter through His gate. All are invited to pass through this gate, to pass through the gate of faith, to enter into His life, and to allow Him to enter into our life, because He transforms it, renews it, the gifts of full and lasting joy. Nowadays we pass many doors that invite us to enter, that promise a happiness that then we realise lasts but a moment, which is an end in itself and has no future. But I ask you: which gate do we want to enter? And who we want to through the gate of our lives? I want to say emphatically: don’t be afraid to pass through the gate of faith in Jesus, to let Him enter more and more into our lives, to go out of our selfishness, our being closed in, our indifference toward others. Because Jesus illuminates our life with a light that never goes out. It is not a firework, not a “flash”! No, it is a soft light that always endures and that gives us peace. That is the light that we meet if we enter through the gate of Jesus. Certainly, it is a narrow gate, the gate of Jesus, not because it is a torture chamber. No, not because of that! But because it asks us to open our hearts to Him, to recognize ourselves as sinners, in need of His salvation, His forgiveness, His love, needing the humility to accept His mercy and to be renewed by Him. Jesus in the Gospel tells us that being a Christian is not having a “label”! I ask you, are you Christians because of a label, or in truth? And for each one the answer is within. Not Christians, never Christians because of a label! Christians in truth, in the heart. To be Christian is to live and witness to the faith in prayer, in works of charity, in promoting justice, in doing good. For the narrow gate which is Christ must pass into our whole life. We ask the Virgin Mary, the Gate of Heaven, to help us to pass through the gate of faith, to allow her Son to transform our existence as He transformed hers, in order to bring everyone the joy of the Gospel. [After the Angelus, the Holy Father appealed for peace in Syria (see separate story) and went on to greet pilgrims in attendance in Saint Peter's Square.] I affectionately greet all the pilgrims present: families, the numerous groups and the Associazione Albergoni. In particular I greet the Sisters of Santa Dorotea, the youth of Verona, Syracuse, Nave, Modica and Trento, the candidates for Confirmation of the Unità Pastorale of Angarano and Val Liona, seminarians and priests of the Pontifical North American College, the workers of Cuneo and the pilgrims Verrua Po, San Zeno Naviglio, Urago d'Oglio, Varano Borghi and Sao Paulo. For many people, these days mark the end of the summer vacation period. I wish you all a peaceful and committed return to normal daily life looking to the future with hope. I wish you all a good Sunday and a good week! Buon pranzo, and arrivederci!
" a prominent blogger " LOL. What a great source. From his own web site: " This blog is strictly anonymous. " I just love people who remain anonymous ( for supposed humble reasons ) and reality just don't want to be accountable for what they say. Now, ever hear the parable of the " Prodigal son" ? Perfect example of "God's love" . Both son's are loved, but there is a certain joy for the "lost son" , that returns. Why is this so hard to understand ?
I find it amazing that in over 19,000 views of this PRO POPE FRANCIS PAGE, there has been only ONE negative poster. Welcome back SteveD.
Lost sons RETURNING is the key not lost sons still spending their inheritence. I am deeply flattered but I am not Mundabor. He is Italian, I am Anglo-Irish. I have no idea who Mundabor is and certainly do not agree with him on all topics, he is a bit too much for me on occasions. I do have a blog which is far less interesting or provocative than Mundabor's and relates mainly to Islamic history. Thanks again for assuming that I am as erudite as this particular blogger, but do keep reading him he can be VERY insightful. Honi soit qui mal y pense!
TO ALL : It was my intention when I started this thread, to keep this board informed of our Holy Father's teachings,and opinions. I find there are too many people who think questioning and disobedience to the Pope is exceptable. Maybe some have not risen to his level of humility or spiritual intelligence. I am not interested in ANY comments that oppose, dispute,or disagree, with what he says. There is no room for discord here. From now on, if you feel these thoughts coming on, start your own thread,they are not welcome here.
Glenn, is right. This is a Catholic site and if we cannot be faithful and loyal to the Holy Father who can be? Also if on the site we attack the Holy Father we are no longer Catholic and no longer Marian. Can you imagine Our Lady launching public Criticisms at the Pope? I feel intense sympathy for him when I pray for him. He is not in an enviable position trying to launch reforms on such a large scale, talk about a living martyrdom. Let's support him with our prayers and comments. In future any more posts attacking him will be deleted.
Eastern Catholic Churches join Pope, appeal for end to violence in Syria http://www.romereports.com/palio/ea...ence-in-syria-english-10873.html#.UiB_pDbD-Uk
Pope Francis: "restlessness of love" brings pastoral fruitfulness http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-restlessness-of-love-brings-pastoral
I am quite happy to apologise for any hurt feelings. Can I expect an apology for the above accusation which is totally false and implies subterfuge and dishonesty on my part. I know, from your own postings, that humility is a problem for you as it is for me. Perhaps this an opportunity for both of us to exercise it?
Steve I think you have misunderstood Glenn here, I don't think he was accusing you of being the anonymous blogger, though I can see how you might have picked it up that way.
What am I supposed to appologize for ? You are the one who said " a prominent blogger " , and I pointed out I find little credibiltiy in anonymous posters,READ THIS CAREFULLY NOW, I DID NOT IMPLY YOU WERE HIDDING ANYTHING, JUST YOUR FAMOUS BLOGGER. Also I NEVER implied you were dishonest. Show me where I did. I will not remain taciturn when I see a post that is meant to foster debate against the Pope. Your reputation preceeds you Steve,so debates will not rage on here,this is an informational thread for Pope Francis supporters. Any further questionable posts will be deleted by myself or Padraig.
Glenn, I think when you said "from his own website" Steve took this to mean HIS website. I could see that Steve had picked it up this way from his follow-up post (#406). It is just a misunderstanding I think.
Yes, you are correct. We were invited by Steve to read the anonymous blogger's link, which I did, and so I quoted the bloggers own words.
Pope highlights spiritual paternity of Cardinal Martini one year after his death http://www.romereports.com/palio/index.php?newlang=english
Pope mourns death of Zambian Cardinal Medardo Joseph Mazombwe http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-mourns-death-of-zambian-cardinal-medardo-jose
Pope appoints Ab Parolin new Secretary of State http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-appoints-ab-parolin-new-secretary-of-state
Pope Francis named Archbishop Pietro Parolin to succeed Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone as the Holy See’s Secretary of State. Something tells me this is a really good thing for the Church.
Pietro Parolin chosen as Pope Francis right hand man to help in Curia reform http://www.romereports.com/palio/index.php?newlang=english
