Readings: At 13.46-49 / Ps 116 / Lk 10.1-9
CREATIVE frankly
The "boldness" with which the two apostles Paul and Barnabas were able to extend "the Gentiles" the announcement of the "word of God" (Acts 13.46) - subject to a lively chronicle of the Acts - introduces us immediately ardent and courageous character of Saints Cyril and Methodius, which the Church celebrates today as patrons of Europe. The two apostles of Thessaloniki brothers in the flesh and faith, played a great work of evangelization among the Slavic nations in a historical period in which, although not yet marked by the division between East and West, the Church lived already severe tensions inside .
aware of having received the mandate from the Lord Jesus to go "in every town and place he intended to go" (Luke 10:1), Cyril and Methodius invented the Slavic alphabet and translated the Scriptures into that language and the texts of the Latin liturgy, to open wide to the Balkan peoples "the unfathomable riches" (Eph 3:8) God's Word and efficacy of the Sacraments. Although finding support and approval from the Pope, the two apostles of the Slavs were also very opposed to the Church's pastoral action in this innovative assumed responsibility. However, the proud consciousness that accompanied the apostolic zeal of the early missionaries Christians also supported the spirit of the two saints in the midst of many hardships, "I have set to be the light of the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Ready to set out in every place and every situation with the gentleness of the Lord's disciples, were able to walk "like lambs among wolves" (Luke 10:3), first within the community of believers. Their work was very effective because their attitude was kept deeply evangelical, disarmed and disarming, equidistant from triumphalism and self-pity: "If there is a man of peace, your peace shall rest upon him, or return to you" (10.6).
In the complex and confused scenario of a Europe increasingly called upon to lay the foundations for a future full of change that is looming, the prayerful remembrance of Saints Cyril and Methodius for us particularly now alive and fresh. The Christian roots of our continent - once overestimated, now disowned - can remain in the soil of history with renewed vitality to the extent that the disciples of the Risen will be guided by the imagination and passion for man that the Spirit is able to arouse in every age. From the very breath of the apostolic work of Saints Cyril and Methodius we learn not to believe in any way interfering or outdated because "the Lord commanded us" (Acts 13:47) to announce to all men "destined to eternal life" (13.48): "It's close to you the kingdom God "(Luke 10:9). Translating the Gospel message in new language and bring the experience of the Church in a new context has always been the challenge which they are called Christians in the world so that humanity can be rich in culture, civilization and beauty.
0 comments:
Post a Comment