蜜桃交友

By Lisa Zengarini

It is precisely because Timor-Leste 鈥渋s at the edge鈥� of the world, that it is 鈥渁t the centre of the Gospel!鈥�

Pope Francis began his address to the East Timorese clergy, religious, and catechists by remarking that, despite its marginal position in the world, Timor-Leste is central to the Gospel, which often focuses on people on the margins.

At the ends of the earth, at the centre of the Gospel

鈥淲e know, that in the heart of Christ the 鈥榚xistential peripheries鈥� are the centre,鈥� he  said,  taking his cue from the introductory remarks of Bishop Norberto do Amaral of Maliana, the President of the Timorese Bishops' Conference.

The Pope then reflected on their work and challenges as described to him a few minutes earlier by a religious sister, a priest and a catechist, who shared their testimonies. He did so by recounting the story of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus鈥� feet with an expensive perfume, drawn from the Gospel of John.

This story, the Pope said, tells us that 鈥渢he fragrance of Christ and his Gospel鈥� is 鈥渁 gift that we must preserve and are called to spread.鈥�

Using the metaphor of sandalwood, native to the region, he urged the Timorese clergy, religious and catechists to return to the essence of their faith, recognizing that they are the 鈥渇ragrance of Christ鈥� in Timor-Leste.

Preserving the fragrance of the Gospel and purifying culture

The Holy Father also reminded them that this fragrance is not for their personal use but 鈥渇or anointing the feet of Christ, proclaiming the Gospel and serving the poor,鈥�  and called on them to be vigilant against 鈥渓ukewarm spiritual mediocrity鈥�, that is 鈥渁lways lurking鈥�.

He further stressed the need for continuous growth in knowledge of Christian doctrine and faith so as to help 鈥減urify鈥� their culture from 鈥渁rchaic and sometimes superstitious practices and traditions鈥� that may conflict with Christian teachings.

On the other hand, the Pope encouraged them to value some 鈥渂eautiful 鈥� aspects of their  culture, such as the belief in the resurrection and respect for the souls of the dead.

Spreading the Gospel

Pope Francis further spurred the clergy and church workers in Timor-Leste to 鈥渟pread the fragrance鈥� of the Gospel with zeal and courage,  and to embrace a dynamic, missionary spirit. He used the image of Mary breaking the alabaster jar to anoint Jesus and that of a 鈥淐hurch on the move鈥� mentioned by Sister Rosa in her testimony.  鈥淓vangelization, 鈥渉e said 鈥渙ccurs when we have the courage to 鈥榖reak鈥� the jar containing the fragrance, breaking the 鈥榮hell鈥�"  that often closes  us up in ourselves.

The Pope therefore stressed the need for 鈥渁 renewed impetus鈥� toward evangelization in the country, 鈥渞ooted in a long Christian history鈥�, so that the Gospel鈥檚 fragrance may also foster reconciliation, peace, compassion, and justice after it has suffered years of war.

A renewed evangelizing "impetus鈥�  to combat violence and poverty

The fragrance of the Gospel, he insisted,  is the fragrance of compassion, 鈥渨hich will help the poor get back on their feet鈥�, and it must be spread  to combat  the social ills affecting East Timorese society, like violence, alcoholism, and disrespect for women.

To this end Timor-Leste needs 鈥減assionate, prepared and creative鈥� clergy, consecrated persons and catechists.

Priests must be a  sign of God鈥檚 mercy

Referring  specifically to priests, Pope Francis urged them to remain humble and not to  take advantage of their role for personal gain or social prestige:  鈥淵ou should always bless and console; always be a minister of compassion and a sign of God鈥檚 mercy, " he said.

Pope Francis concluded his address with the words  of Father Sancho who, in his testimony, reminded the audience that 鈥淕od knows how to take care of those He has called and sent on His mission鈥�.