Monday, February 27, 2006

Benedict XVI's pre-Lenten address in St. Peter's Square: "On Living Lent Well"

On Living Lent Well

As "One Who Has Found in Jesus the Meaning of Life"

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 26, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave today when he recited the midday Angelus with the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The Gospel of Mark, theme of the Sunday celebrations of this liturgical year, presents a catechumenal itinerary, which leads the disciple to recognize Jesus as Son of God.

By a fortunate coincidence, today's passage touches on the topic of fasting: As you know, next Wednesday the Lenten season will begin with the rite of ashes and penitential fasting. For this reason, the Gospel is particularly appropriate.

It recounts how while Jesus was seated at table in the publican Levi's house, the Pharisees and followers of John the Baptist asked him why his disciples did not fast as they did. Jesus answered that the wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them; they will fast when the bridegroom is taken from them (cf. Mark 2:18-20).

With these words, Christ reveals his identity of Messiah, Israel's bridegroom, who came for the betrothal with his people. Those who recognize and welcome him are celebrating. However, he will have to be rejected and killed precisely by his own: At that moment, during his Passion and death, the hour of mourning and fasting will come.
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