Vatican City, Mar 1, 2009 / 08:04 am
Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to pray the Angelus prayer at noon with Pope Benedict XVI. In his remarks, the Pontiff spoke of the importance of angels and also prayed for those struggling in uncertain financial times.
The topic of discussion was prompted by the Pope's commentary on the Gospel of today, the First Sunday of Lent. The Gospel of Mark notes that angels "ministered to" Jesus in the desert. "The angels are the counterpoint of Satan," the Holy Father explained.
After detailing the presence of angels in the Old and New Testament, Benedict XVI noted, "The angels ministered to Jesus, who is certainly superior to them, and his dignity is here proclaimed in the Gospel in a clear but discreet way." He added: "In fact, even in the situation of extreme poverty and humility, when he is tempted by Satan, Jesus remains the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lord."
The Pontiff continued by reaffirming the importance of prayer to angels, "messengers of God," and by asking for prayers to them on behalf of himself and the Roman Curia, who today begin their Lenten spiritual exercises.