Vatican City, Nov 18, 2007 / 08:13 am
With thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer today, Pope Benedict XVI rejected the "recurring messianisms" that are continually announcing the imminent end the world. He explained that "history is ongoing, and involves human tragedies and natural calamities."
Reflecting on the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Holy Father recalled that, since its inception, the Church "prayerfully lives in the care of its Lord, scrutinizing the signs of the times and keeping the faithful on guard against the calls of messianisms, which from time to time announce the imminent end of the world ".
"Actually, the Pontiff said, history must take its course, which also involves human tragedies and natural calamities. As time develops, the design of salvation that Christ has already taken effect in his incarnation, death and resurrection [becomes clearer]. This mystery is continually announced by the Church and actualized in her preaching, with the celebration of the sacraments and the testimony of charity. "
Faced with the problems of life, "do not be afraid for the future," said the pope, who urged parishioners to accept "the invitation of Christ to face everyday events trusting his love."