From the library of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis holds the noon-day Regina Caeli on Easter Monday, saying "Jesus resurrection tells us that death does not have the last word, life does".
âToday, Easter Monday of the Angel, the joyous proclamation of Christâs resurrection resoundsâ. Pope Francis thus began his remarks before leading the Regina Caeli prayer at noon from the library of the Apostolic Palace.
Jesus is risen! His remarks focused on the dayâs Gospel reading (cfr Mt 28:8-15). The Gospel recounts that the fearful women meet Jesus Himself as they are running away from His empty tomb. âDo not be afraidâ, Jesus tells them. Then He asks them to tell His disciples to go to Galilee where He will see them.
Jesus reward to the faithful women Pope Francis that âWith these words, the Risen One entrusts the women with a missionary mandate to the Apostlesâ. This is how Jesus rewards them, with a gesture that shows âattention and predilectionâ, he continued. Throughout his public life and passion, they had been faithful in showing him selfless dedication and love.
Slow to believe These women and the disciples were slow to believe, even though Jesus âhad foretold a number of timeâ that He would die and rise again, the Pope said. They were not ready yet. Their faith needed âto take a qualitative step forwardâ. Only the Risen Jesusâs gift of the Holy Spirit could have âprovokedâ them to take that step, Pope Francis explained.
The Good News has reached every corner of the earth After that, Peter, and many others after him, have boldly proclaimed Jesusâs resurrection. That proclamation, the Pope said, âhas spread everywhereâ reaching every corner of the earthâ. It has become âa message of hope for everyone.â
âJesusâs resurrection tells us that death does not have the last word, life does.â
Christ, my hope is arisen! This is why out outlook can be hopeful amidst life's most difficult and uncertain moments of life, the Pope said. âThis is the Easter message that we are called to proclaim with words, and above all through the witness of lifeâ, he said.
âIn our homes and in our hearts, may this joyful news resound: âChrist, my hope, is arisen!ââ
Mary, silent witness Concluding his remarks before reciting the Regina Caeli, Pope Francis invoked Mary, the âsilent witnessâ of Jesusâs death and resurrection. He asked her to help us believe in the âmystery of salvationâ that, when âwelcomed with faith, can change our livesâ.
âIt is this Easter wish that renews everyone. I entrust it to You, our Mother, whom we now invoke with the prayer, the Regina Caeli.
Source: Vatican NewsRelated Articles
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