The pope celebrated Mass at the Vatican for World Day of the Poor.
Only about 100 people were allowed to attend, among them volunteers, representatives of charitable organizations and of course, people who receive aid from social institutions.
In his homily the pope commented on the parable of the talents, the treasure the rich man entrusts to his servants before leaving on a trip.
He explained that one talent is equal to 20 years' earnings and that God also entrusts a treasure to each person.
POPE FRANCIS
“All too often, when we look at our lives, we see only the things we lack, and we complain about what we lack. We then give in to the temptation to say, 'If only....' 'If only I had that job, if only I had that home, if only I had money and success, if only I didn't have this or that problem, if only I had better people around me....' But those illusory words—if only—prevent us from seeing the good all around us. They make us forget the talents we possess.”
The pope observed that the good servants in the parable invest those talents rather than hiding them for fear of losing them. That's why he called Christians not to be afraid to take risks.
POPE FRANCIS
“It is sad when Christians play a defensive game, content only to observe rules and obey commandments. Those 'moderate' Christians who never go beyond boundaries, never, because they are afraid of risk. Those—allow me this image—those who take care of themselves to avoid risk begin in their lives a process of mummification of their souls, and they end up as mummies.”
The key is not to simply avoid evil, but to actively do good. For Pope Francis, whoever spends life worrying about his or her needs, and not about the needy, leads an empty existence.
POPE FRANCIS
“The season of Christmas is approaching, the holiday season. How often do we hear people ask, 'What can I buy? What else can I have? I have to go shopping.' Let's ask a different question, 'What can I give to others?'”
It was a brief, solemn Mass with physical distancing. There was no offertory procession, nor any long processions.
It was a liturgy to pray for the poor, those forgotten during the pandemic.
In previous years, Pope Francis would invite Mass attendees to lunch. Since that wasn't possible this year, he gave each one a food package so they could cook a special meal at home.
Javier Martínez-Brocal
Translation: CT
