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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Let us live this Lent as a time of healing, all the more as it is the Jubilee. I too am experiencing it this way, in my soul and in my body," said Pope Francis in the text published by the Vatican for the midday prayer on the fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare).
In his commentary on the parable of the Prodigal Son, the Bishop of Rome notes that with this story, Jesus reveals "the heart of God": "always merciful towards all," "he heals our wounds so that we can love each other as brothers."
Hence, heartfelt thanks to "all those who, in the image of the Saviour, are instruments of healing for their neighbour with their word and their knowledge, with kindness and with prayer. Frailty and illness are experiences we all have in common; all the more, however, we are brothers in the salvation Christ has given us."
"Trusting in the mercy of God the Father," Pope Francis said, "we continue to pray for peace: in martyred Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar, which is also suffering so much because of the earthquake." In his message, the Pope also expressed his concern about the situation in South Sudan: "I renew my heartfelt appeal to all leaders to do their utmost to lower the tension in the country. We must put aside our differences and, with courage and responsibility, sit around a table and engage in constructive dialogue. Only in this way will it be possible to alleviate the suffering of the beloved South Sudanese people and to build a future of peace and stability."
And in Sudan, "the war continues to claim innocent victims. I urge the parties concerned in the conflict," the Pope emphasized, "to put the safeguarding of the lives of their civilian brothers and sisters first; and I hope that new negotiations will begin as soon as possible, capable of securing a lasting solution to the crisis. May the international community increase its efforts to address the appalling humanitarian catastrophe."
"Thanks be to God, there are also positive events," the Pope concluded: "I cite as an example the ratification of the Agreement on the demarcation of the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which is an excellent diplomatic achievement. I encourage both countries to continue on this path."
"May Mary, Mother of Mercy, help the human family to be reconciled in peace," we read at the end of the Pontiff's text. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 30/3/2024)
