Angelus: consumerism has hijacked Christmas

Vatican City

Pope Francis offered the Angelus Marian prayer in front of hundreds of the faithful, who gathered in St. Peter’s Square, this December 20, the fourth Sunday of Advent.

The bishop of Rome, commenting on the Gospel, recalled that the biblical account “offers us again the story of the Annunciation. “Rejoice – said the angel to Mary – you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus” (Lc 1, 28. 31).

A moment of joy and trial for Maria

Francisco underlined two elements: first, “it seems an advertisement of pure joy, intended to make the virgin happy”. Secondly, “with joy these words announce to Mary a great trial”. Next, explore the reason for the test:

Because at that time she was “betrothed” (v. 27) to Joseph. In a situation like this, the law of Moses said that there should be no relationship or cohabitation. Therefore, if she had a son, Mary would have transgressed the Law, and the penalties for the women were terrible: stoning was foreseen (cf. Dt 22, 20-21). The divine message will certainly have filled Mary’s heart with light and strength; However, he found himself faced with a crucial decision: to say “yes” to God, risk everything, even his life, or refuse the invitation and continue on his ordinary path.

An active and strong acceptance that does not keep God waiting

Mary’s response is immediate: “Be it done to me according to your word” (Lc 1.38). The Pope comments: Mary does not say: “If it is necessary to do it, let it do it …, if it cannot be otherwise …”. No, it does not express a weak and reluctant acceptance, but a strong and living desire. It is not passive, but active. It sticks to God. She is a lover ready to serve her Lord in everything and immediately ”.

Refer our response to God

The Pope, referring to the responses we give to the calls of the Lord, affirms:

How often our life is made of procrastination, even our spiritual life! I know it’s good for me to pray, but I don’t have time today; I know it’s important to help someone, but I can’t today. I will do it tomorrow, that is to say never. Today, on the threshold of Christmas, Mary invites us not to postpone, to say “yes”. Any “yes” costs, but it is always less than what it cost him this courageous and determined “yes”, that “Let it be mine according to your word“who brought us salvation.

It’s time to act

Francis encourages us to “do something for those who have less: not the umpteenth gift for us and our friends, but for a person in need whom no one thinks of. And another piece of advice: so that Jesus may be born in us, let’s go to confession, because only in this way will our hearts resemble Mary’s: free from evil, welcoming, ready to welcome God ”.

The Pope indicated that for Jesus to be born in us “let’s prepare our hearts, let’s go to prayer, don’t let consumerism take us away:” Ah, I have to buy gifts, I have to do this, this … “This frenzy to do things, things, things … the important thing is Jesus. Consumerism: consumerism, brothers and sisters, has hijacked Christmas for us. Consumerism is not in the manger of Bethlehem: there is reality, poverty, love, “insisted the Pope.

“Let it be mine according to your word”. This is the last sentence of Our Lady on this last Sunday of Advent, and it is the invitation to take a concrete step towards Christmas. Because if the birth of Jesus does not touch life, it happens in vain, said Francis.