Francisco encourages the Catholic minority at historic Mass on the Arbiga Peninsula

Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) (AICA):On February 5, Francisco became the first pope in history to preside Mbad in the Arbiga Peninsula. In front of more than 120,000 people gathered at the Zayed Sports stadium, the pontiff encourages the small Catholic herd of the United Arab Emirates. They are rooted in Jesus and eager to do good to all who are close to you. That their communities are oases of peace, I asked them.

On February 5, Francisco became the first pope in history to preside Mbad in the Arbiga Peninsula. In front of more than 120,000 people gathered at the Zayed Sports stadium, the pontiff encourages the small Catholic herd of the United Arab Emirates.

"I hope that you are, rooted in Jesus and willing to do good to all your loved ones and that their communities are oases of peace," said the pontiff to more than 120,000 people, almost all living foreigners in the United Arab Emirates, most of them coming from India and the Philippines.

In the homily, the pontiff reflected on the gospel of the Beatitudes and recalled that the Christian life "does not present itself as a list of external prescriptions to be fulfilled nor as a complex set of doctrines to know", but "is to know Jesus, to the beloved children of the Father."

It is live the joy of this happiness, understand life as a love story, the story of the faithful love of God who never abandons us and always wants to commune with us. This is the reason for our joy, a joy that no one in the world nor any circumstance of life can take us. It is a joy that gives peace even in pain, which makes us now anticipate the happiness that awaits us forever, "he said.

Francis invited us to deepen the meaning of the Beatitudes, because we see "an inversion of the common thought:" Blessed are the poor, the myths, those who remain to the point of provoking a bad impression, the persecuted ".

He also invites "to rediscover the fascination of following Jesus" who gave his life for love ", he came to serve and not to be served, he taught us that it is not great who a, but who gives ". For here is the meaning of life on earth, in communion with him and in love for others ".

To understand Jesus, he said, we must open our eyes, we must look at how Jesus lived: poor in things and rich in love, he healed many lives, but he did not spare the his. He came to serve and not to be served; He taught us that it's not great to stress, but to give.

The pope emphasized that "to live as blessed and follow the path of Jesus does not mean, nevertheless, to be always happy: the afflicted, those who suffer from injustice, those who strive to be peacemakers know what it means to suffer. "

Francisco acknowledged that it is not easy to live away from home and perhaps to feel, in addition to the dearth of loved ones, the uncertainty of the future, but I am remember that the Lord is faithful and does not abandon his family.

The Beatitudes experience does not require striking gestures. Let's look at Jess: he did not leave anything written, he did not build anything imposing. And when he told us how to live, he did not ask us to show great work or to show us extraordinary facts. He asked us to create a single work of art, possible for all: that of our life. The Beatitudes are then a map of life: they do not ask for superhuman actions, but imitate Jesus in everyday life. They invite us to keep our hearts pure, to practice gentleness and justice despite everything, to be merciful to all, to live the affliction united to God, stressed.

Francis insisted that the Beatitudes are not for the supermen, but for those who face the challenges of each day. He who lives according to Jesus purifies the world. It is like a tree that, every day, even in dry soil, absorbs polluted air and gives back oxygen. I hope, well rooted in Jesus and eager to do good to your loved ones. May their communities be oases of peace.

The pope pointed to the figure of San Francisco de Ass when he advised his brethren: "So neither fights nor disputes, and this also applies to priests," added and continued: "While many salted wore heavy armor, San Francisco I remembered that the Christian is armed with his humble faith and his concrete love ".

The Eucharistic celebration ended with the gratitude of Pope Francis to the high authorities of the United Arab Emirates for all the support and help that made this meeting possible. He also thanked the local Christian communities and all the people who contributed to the success of this trip.

I greet and thank Zayid Zayid for Zayid / the children of Zayid's house. May our Mother Mara Santsima keep them in their love for the Church and in the joyful witness of the Gospel. Please, do not forget to pray m, I concluded.