Jesus’ invitation to the disciples, "not to be afraid, but to face difficulties, misunderstandings and even persecutions with confidence, persevering in their faith in Him", was made just by the Church, which since the beginning "has been living in praying wait for the return of its Lord, searching the signs of the time and warning the faithful off any recurring messianism, which from time to time announce the end of the world as impending". It was recalled yesterday morning by Benedict XVI, as he introduced the Angelus prayer from Saint Peter’s Square. "In fact added the Pope , history must take its course, which also involves human tragedies and natural disasters. A design of salvation, that Christ has already accomplished in His incarnation, death and resurrection, unfolds within it". This mystery, explained the Holy Father, "the Church keeps announcing and implementing by means of its preaching, the celebration of the Sacraments and the testimony of charity". Hence the urge to take up "Christ’s invitation to face the everyday events, confiding in His provident love. Don’t let’s be afraid of the future, even when it may paint a black picture, because the God of Jesus Christ, who has taken on history to open it up to its transcending accomplishment, is its alpha and its omega, its commencement and its end". (continued)
