After the beautiful celebration of the Holy Mass in the Sistine Chapel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, with the Rite of the Baptism of Children, the Holy Father Francis appeared at the window of the study of the Vatican Apostolic Palace at 12 noon to recite the Angelus with nearly 30,000 faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Here are the inspiring words of the Pope at the beginning of the Marian prayer:
Words of the Pope
Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!
The feast of the Baptism of Jesus, which we celebrate today, leads us to reflect on our own Baptism. Jesus, in His humility, joins His people who are about to receive baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I am reminded of the words from today’s liturgy hymn: Jesus goes to be baptized by John, “with a bare soul and bare feet”. A bare soul and bare feet.
When Jesus receives baptism, the Spirit is revealed, and the Epiphany of God takes place; His face is shown in the Son, and His voice is heard saying: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (v. 22). The face and the voice.
First, the face. By revealing Himself as the Father through the Son, God creates a special space for dialogue and communion with humanity. It is the face of the beloved Son.
Secondly, the voice. Face and voice. “You are my beloved Son” (v. 22). This is another sign that accompanies the revelation of Jesus.
Today’s feast invites us to contemplate the face and the voice of God, which are manifested in the humanity of Jesus. So, let us ask ourselves: do we feel loved? Do we recognize His face in Jesus and in others? Do we listen to His voice?
I challenge you: do you remember the date of your Baptism? Think about it. And if you don’t, ask your parents or godparents. Celebrate this date as a new birthday: the day of your spiritual birth in God. Don’t forget! This is your assignment: remember your Baptism date.
Let us seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary and remember our Baptism date!
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After the Angelus
My thoughts are with the residents of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating fires have been raging. I pray for all of you.
This morning, I had the joy of baptizing newborns, the children of Holy See employees and the Swiss Guard. Let us pray for them and their families. I also pray for young couples, that they may joyfully welcome the gift of children and bring them to Baptism.
Don Giovanni Merlini, a priest of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, was beatified this morning at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. Let us ask for his intercession for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, and around the world. Congratulations to the new Blessed!
I send greetings to all, especially the students of Olivenza, Spain, and the members of the Family of Disciples working in the houses of the Opera of Father Semeria and Father Minozzi.
Let us pray for peace, remembering that war is always a defeat. I wish you all a blessed Sunday. Please remember to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch and goodbye!
