Vatican City, Jan 8, 2008 / 09:00 am
In the celebration of the Mass for the Epiphany, Pope Benedict declared that "today we celebrate Christ, Light of the world, and His 'manifestation' to all people" while reflecting on God’s continued faithfulness throughout a human history of sin.
"The evangelical episode we commemorate at Epiphany - the coming of the Magi to the Baby Jesus at Bethlehem - draws us back to the origins of the history of the people of God", said the Holy Father. This should remind us that the covenants that God creates with his people are concerned with “all humanity.”
The Pope continued: “With the calling of Abraham began God's great plan to make humanity a family, [he chose to do this] through His alliance with a new people, chosen by Him to be a blessing among all mankind. This divine plan is still underway and has its culminating moment in the mystery of Christ.” This plan must be accepted by the history of humanity, “which always remains a history of faithfulness on God's part and, unfortunately, also one of unfaithfulness by we humans.”
"The Church herself, depository of the blessing, is holy and made up of sinners. In the fullness of time, Jesus Christ came to fulfill the covenant. He Himself, true God and true man, is the Sacrament of God's faithfulness to His plan for the salvation of us all, of humanity entire.