Pope Francis warned against the pursuit of money and urged the faithful to help the poor and others in need of assistance in his Epiphany sermon
Associated Press January 7
Pope Francis advised against making the pursuit
of money, a career or success the basis for one’s whole life, urging
people in his Epiphany remarks to focus on helping others less
fortunate.
Speaking at his Epiphany Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome he
noted that people “often make do” with having “health, a little money
and a bit of entertainment.”
But he urged them to also help the poor and others in need of assistance, giving freely without expecting anything in return.
“To do good without counting the cost, even when unasked, even when you gain nothing thereby, even if it is unpleasant: That is what God wants,” he said.
Many Christians observe Epiphany to recall the three wise men who followed a star to find the baby Jesus. Francis suggested asking “what star we have chosen to follow in our lives.”
“Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honours and pleasures when these become our lives,” the pope said. That path, he continued, won’t ensure peace and joy.
Later, during an appearance from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Francis told tens of thousands of Roman Catholics gathered below that some Christians prefer to live while indifferent to Jesus.
“Instead of conducting themselves in coherence with their own Christian faith, they follow the principles of the world, which lead to satisfying the inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches,” Francis said.
He prayed that instead that “the world makes progress down the path of justice and of peace.”
Francis noted that some Eastern Rite Catholic and Orthodox churches are celebrating Christmas this weekend.
In expressing cordial wishes to these believers, Francis added, “May this glorious celebration be a source of new spiritual vigour and of communion among us Christians.”
He also recalled the traditions such as in Poland, where many families join in processions recalling the three wise men.
In some countries, Epiphany and not Christmas, is the holiday occasion to exchange gifts among loved ones.
But he urged them to also help the poor and others in need of assistance, giving freely without expecting anything in return.
“To do good without counting the cost, even when unasked, even when you gain nothing thereby, even if it is unpleasant: That is what God wants,” he said.
Many Christians observe Epiphany to recall the three wise men who followed a star to find the baby Jesus. Francis suggested asking “what star we have chosen to follow in our lives.”
“Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honours and pleasures when these become our lives,” the pope said. That path, he continued, won’t ensure peace and joy.
Later, during an appearance from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Francis told tens of thousands of Roman Catholics gathered below that some Christians prefer to live while indifferent to Jesus.
“Instead of conducting themselves in coherence with their own Christian faith, they follow the principles of the world, which lead to satisfying the inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches,” Francis said.
He prayed that instead that “the world makes progress down the path of justice and of peace.”
Francis noted that some Eastern Rite Catholic and Orthodox churches are celebrating Christmas this weekend.
In expressing cordial wishes to these believers, Francis added, “May this glorious celebration be a source of new spiritual vigour and of communion among us Christians.”
He also recalled the traditions such as in Poland, where many families join in processions recalling the three wise men.
In some countries, Epiphany and not Christmas, is the holiday occasion to exchange gifts among loved ones.
….
Taken from: http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/pope-help-others-before-chasing-money/news-story/efab0fa87a59febf2b77d4f227e548f0
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