[Salvation]

The First Words of Pope Francis

by CE Editor on March 13, 2013 ·

Brothers and sisters good evening. 

You all know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to Rome. It seems that my brother Cardinals have come almost to the ends of the earth to get him… but here we are. I thank you for the welcome that has come from the diocesan community of Rome.

First of all I would say a prayer pray for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI.. Let us all pray together for him, that the Lord bless him and Our Lady protect him.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…

And now let us begin this journey, the Bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of brotherhood in love, of mutual trust. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world that there might be a great sense of brotherhood . My hope is that this journey of the Church that we begin today, together with help of my Cardinal Vicar, be fruitful for the evangelization of this beautiful city.

And now I would like to give the blessing, but first I want to ask you a favour. Before the bishop blesses the people I ask that you would pray to the Lord to bless me – the prayer of the people for their Bishop. Let us say this prayer – your prayer for me – in silence.

[The Protodeacon announced that all those who received the blessing, either in person or by radio, television or by the new means of communication receive the plenary indulgence in the form established by the Church. He prayed that Almighty God protect and guard the Pope so that he may lead the Church for many years to come, and that he would grant peace to the Church throughout the world.]

[Immediately afterwards Pope Francis gave his first blessing Urbi et Orbi – To the City and to the World.]

I will now give my blessing to you and to the whole world, to all men and women of good will.

Brothers and sisters, I am leaving you. Thank you for your welcome. Pray for me and I will be with you again soon.

We will see one another soon.

Tomorrow I want to go to pray the Madonna, that she may protect Rome.

Good night and sleep well!

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Wednesday, March 13, 2013 >>

Isaiah 49:8-15
View Readings

Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18

John 5:17-30

"I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU" (Is 49:15)

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." —Isaiah 49:15

 

Isaiah prophesied the above message from the Lord God over 2,500 years ago. At that time, abortion was unheard of. Children were considered blessings from the Lord. The strongest possible human bond was that which existed between mother and child. Yet even then, some mothers "forgot" their children and allowed them to be sacrificed to pagan gods (e.g. Lam 4:10).

At present, surgical and chemical abortions occur in staggering numbers. In some countries, women abort more than twice as many babies as they keep, whether voluntarily or by coercion. Often men pressure women to "eliminate" the "mistake" by having an abortion. Entire generations of children have grown up knowing that mothers forget and abort their children. Is it any wonder masses of people don't realize God loves them? (Is 49:14)

Isaiah's stirring prophecy rings even more true today. God "will never forget you" (Is 49:15). "God has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you' " (Heb 13:5). Yet how many of these confused souls will ever pick up a Bible, much less hear these consoling prophecies? You may be the only "Bible" some people ever encounter. Repent of any part you may have played in not wanting or loving children. "Make disciples" by generously conceiving and bearing children (Mt 28:19). Love your children as "the Father loves the Son" (Jn 5:20). Help lost and hurting people to know God will never forget them.

 

Prayer: Father, may parents love their children to such an extent that others will be able to see in their love a reflection of Your own personal love for them.

Promise: "I solemnly assure you, the man who hears My word and has faith in Him Who sent Me possesses eternal life." —Jn 5:24

Praise: Each day, Robert meditates on the daily Mass readings.