Pope at Angelus: Only in God do we find the light of life

On the Third Sunday of Advent Pope Francis explains how John the Baptist gives testimony to the light of Christ who "redeems, frees, heals and enlightens" as we are called to welcome and reflect His light through our own lives of worship and service to others.

By Thaddeus Jones

Addressing the crowds gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Angelus, Pope Francis offered reflections on what it means to "testify to the light," as recounted in the Gospel reading on this Third Sunday of Advent about John the Baptist sent by God to bear witness to Jesus coming into the world .

Looking at the nature of John's testimony and the light to which he refers, the Pope explained that John the Baptist's testimony came "through his frank language, his sincere behaviour, his austerity of life." 

Substance over appearances

People flocked to meet and hear the Baptist, the Pope recalled, especially due to his "consistent and sincere way of being" making him different from the famous and powerful who cultivated their appearances more than their character. John's authentic, free and courageous spirit helped motivate others to do better and more to become role models of good living, said the Pope.

“In every age, the Lord sends men and women like this. Do we know how to recognize them? Do we try to learn from their witness, allowing ourselves to be challenged?”

The light is Christ

John's luminous nature came from his testifying to the light of Christ, of Jesus coming into the world, the Lamb of God, “God who saves”, the Pope explained, recalling that John himself told the crowds that he was not the light or the Messiah, but the "'“voice' who accompanies his brothers and sisters to the Word...he is a lamp, while the light is Christ." Only Christ "redeems, frees, heals and enlightens," said the Pope.

Only in God

John the Baptist's witness shows us that "only in God do we find the light of life" and that by God's grace we "can be a lamp that shines and helps others find the way to meet Jesus" through our service to others, humility and the integrity of our lives.

In conclusion, the Pope suggested we ask ourselves how we in our own daily lives can give witness in the here and now to the light of Christ in these days leading to Christmas and beyond.

“May Mary, mirror of holiness, help us be men and women who reflect Jesus, the light who comes into the world.”

Following the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis greeted the many families with their children present who brought little statuettes of the Child Jesus to be blessed on this day, known as "Bambinelli Sunday," a tradition started by Saint Pope Paul VI over fifty years ago.

Some of the statuettes of the Child Jesus blessed by the Pope at the Angelus
Some of the statuettes of the Child Jesus blessed by the Pope at the Angelus

 

Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here

17 December 2023, 12:16

The Angelus is a special prayer recited by Catholics three times a day, at 6am, noon, and 6pm and is accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus bell. The name comes from the Latin word for Angel and the prayer itself reminds us of how Jesus Christ assumed our human nature through the Mystery of the Incarnation.
The Pope recites the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square every Sunday at midday.
He also gives a brief reflection on the Gospel of the day and often comments on some issue of international concern. The Pope’s words are broadcast all over the world on radio and television and widely shared on social media.
From Easter to Pentecost the Regina Coeli is prayed instead of the Angelus. This prayer commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and, like the Angelus, concludes with the recitation of the Gloria three times.

Latest Angelus / Regina Coeli

Read all >