The Pope to the Angelus: opening oneself to grace to say “no” to evil and “yes” to God

Renato Martinez – Vatican City

“This is the way for us to become holy and immaculate again. Our Mother’s uncontaminated beauty is inimitable, but at the same time it attracts us. Let us entrust ourselves to her, and let us say once and for all no to sin and yes to Grace ”, declared Pope Francis in his speech before praying the prayer of the Marian Angelus, this Tuesday, December 8, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary free from all stain of sin

During the liturgical feast of the Mother of God, the Holy Father recalled that today one of the wonders of the history of salvation is celebrated: the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. “She too was saved by Christ – said the Pontiff – but in an absolutely extraordinary way, because God wanted that from the moment of conception, the mother of his Son should not be touched by misery of sin. ” And so Mary, specified the Pope, throughout her earthly life, was free from any stain of sin, “full of grace” and enjoyed a unique action of the Holy Spirit, so that she could always remain in her perfect relationship. with her son Jesus In addition, she was the disciple of Jesus: the Mother and disciple. But sin was not in her.

Created by God for the fullness of holiness

The Bishop of Rome, quoting the magnificent hymn which opens the Letter to the Ephesians, underlined that Saint Paul makes us understand that each human being is created by God for this fullness of holiness, for this beauty with which the Virgin was clothed from the beginning. . . “The goal to which we are called is also for us a gift from God, who – says the apostle -” chose us in him before the foundation of the world, to be holy and immaculate “; to choose in advance, in Christ, to be one day totally free from sin. And it is grace, it is free, it is a gift from God ”.

The “narrow gate” leads us to life

In this sense, Pope Francis recalls that what was at the beginning for Mary will be for us at the end, after having passed through the purifying “bath” of Christ’s grace. Since all the saints have walked this path. Even the most innocent were marked by original sin and fought with all their might against its consequences. They have passed through the “narrow gate” that leads to life. And do you know who is the first one of whom we have the certainty that he entered paradise ?, asks the Pope, a “bandit”: one of the two crucified with Jesus. He addressed him saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come with your kingdom.” And He said, “Today you’ll be with me in Heaven.”

Welcome today to say “no” to evil and “yes” to God

Finally, the Holy Father warns that it is not worth playing the trick: continually postponing a serious examination of one’s life, taking advantage of the Lord’s patience. “Maybe we can deceive men, but not God, He knows our hearts better than we do.” Let’s seize the present moment! This is the Christian meaning of “carpe diem”. Not to enjoy life in the fleeting moment, no, that’s the meaning of the world. But welcome today to say “no” to evil and “yes” to God; open up to his grace, finally stop leaning over yourself in full hypocrisy. Face reality, recognize that we have not loved God and neighbor as we should. And confess it, begin a path of conversion, first asking forgiveness from God in the sacrament of reconciliation, then repairing the wrong done to others.