A Midday Angelus Address by Pope Francis

Christian Charity is not simply Philanthropy

Pope Francis

This Sunday’s Gospel (Week 21, Mt 16:13-20) presents the moment in which Peter professes his faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. This is provoked by Jesus himself, who wants to lead his disciples to take the decisive step in their relationship with him. In fact, the whole journey of Jesus with those who follow him, especially with the Twelve, is a journey of education of their faith. First of all he asks: ‘Who do people say the Son of man is?’ (v.13). The apostles liked to talk about people, as do all of us. Gossip is liked. In this case, the perspective of faith is already required and not gossip. And the disciples seem to be competing in reporting the different opinions, which perhaps to a large extent they themselves shared. They shared themselves. In essence, Jesus of Nazareth was considered a prophet (v.14).

heart: ‘But you, who do you say that I am?’ (v.15). At this point, we seem to perceive a few moments of silence, because each of those present is called to get involved, manifesting the reason why he follows Jesus; a certain hesitation is more than legitimate. Even if I now ask you: ‘Who is Jesus for you?’ there will be some hesitation. Simon takes them away from embarrassment, when he enthusiastically declares: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ (v.16). This response, so full and luminous, does not come to him from his own impulse, however generous, but is the fruit of a particular grace from the heavenly Father. In fact, Jesus himself tells him: ’Neither flesh nor blood have revealed it to you – that is, the culture, what you have studied – no, my Father who is in heaven has revealed it to you’ (v.17). Peter’s confessing Jesus is a grace of the Father. And the Church always goes on on the faith of Peter.

Today, we hear Jesus’ question addressed to each of us: ‘And you, who do you say I am?’. And each of us must give an answer that is not theoretical, but which involves faith, that is, life, because faith is life! ‘For me you are ...’ , and we make confession of Jesus. An answer that also requires us, like the first disciples, to listen to the voice of the Father and to be in harmony with what the Church, gathered around Peter, keeps proclaiming. It is a question of understanding who Christ is for us: if he is the centre of our life, if he is the goal of all our commitment in the Church, of our commitment in society. Who is Jesus Christ for me? Who is Jesus Christ for you, for you, for you … ? An answer that we should give every day. With the second question, Jesus touches them to the

But be careful: it is indispensable and commendable that the pastoral care of our communities be open to the many poverties and emergencies that are everywhere. Charity is always the main way of the journey of faith, of the perfection of faith. But it is necessary that the works of solidarity, the works of charity that we do, do not distract from contact with the Lord Jesus. Christian charity is not simple philanthropy but, on the one hand, it is looking at the other with the same eyes of Jesus and, on the other hand, it is seeing Jesus in the face of the poor. This is the true path of Christian charity, with Jesus at the centre, always. May Mary Most Holy, blessed because she believed, guide and form us on the journey of faith in Christ, and make us aware that trust in him gives full meaning to our charity and to our whole existence.

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The Hinsley Room Garden

Fr Daniel Humphreys

A couple of years ago a letter of complaint was received. It may surprise you to learn that this is not an unusual occurrence. This particular one concerned the garden at the Hinsley Room on Morpeth Terrace. To be fair, the complaint was justifiable, the garden was in a disgraceful state, and made the entrance distinctly shabby.

Before

Following a Newsletter appeal, a group of about a dozen volunteers was formed. Quickly, we did some basic clearance and tidying up. It made a difference, but left us unsure what could be done with the space in the long term. A detailed plan was needed, low in cost but high in quality (this is a familiar refrain in these parts). Several people put a great deal of effort into imagining how the garden could reflect its connection to the Cathedral and therefore to the Catholic Faith. We also needed it to be simple to maintain, avoiding grass, for example.

One parishioner who came forward was Julie Doyle, who has experience in designing garden mosaics. She showed me the beautiful and impressive mosaic she had worked on for the parish of St Anne, Kingston Hill and offered to design and install for the Hinsley Room Garden. In discussion we settled on the idea of the Pelican in its piety. This image is found in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, over the entrance gates and atop the tabernacle. The ‘soft, self-wounding pelican’ is a symbol of Christ the Redeemer, who feeds the faithful with his Body and Blood. Such an image in a garden in the precincts of this Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood seemed highly appropriate.

Julie, ably assisted by Jack Langan, spent four weekends working on the mosaic, and the garden in general; the results are in the images. We intend adding to the garden, perhaps olive trees and other plants which are simple to maintain. Perhaps also a vine on the unattractive fencing, to cover the unsightly bins? For the mosaic, Julie and Jack used black and white stone pebbles embedded in cement. The outer circle was made from the original circle of bricks which had been in the centre of the garden. For the remainder gravel (of two sizes) has provided an attractive ‘canvas’ on which plants in various pots may happily sit.

The Pelican Mosaic.

Please do take a look at the renewed garden if you are in the vicinity. We hope it will prove to be something of a haven, and, in time, a place of prayer and quiet reflection. Thanks are certainly due to Julie and Jack, and all who have worked on the garden to this point. There is more work to do, and willing volunteers are always welcome. If any reader of Oremus would like to volunteer or donate some plants, please do contact Clergy House.

Finally, any reader interested in a mosaic/garden design by Julie may like to contact her on 07745 393091.