Benedict XVI's 'humble joy'
October 13, 2012
The figure of the elderly Pontiff stands out on the evening of October 11, framed by the world’s best-known window, in a deep and moving moment.
He knows well that the eyes and hearts of everyone are expecting a word about one of the most famous improvised papal remarks of all times - the 'moonlight discourse' of his unforgettable predecessor John XXIII.
The appearance and style of the two are very different, but the message is no less intense and profound.
Fifty years ago the young Joseph Ratzinger, with pure priestly heart and passionate intelligence, was also looking up from St. Peter's Square to that window, full of idealistic ardour.
Now as Pope, his gaze seems to be aimed upwards more than towards the crowd because while he speaks he is probing the mystery of God - the first priority of his Pontificate, as well as the primary reference of that Council that he invites us to make our own in its most profound truth and intention.
God and our history, God and the history of the Church. “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of … men … are [those] of the followers of Christ” This is how the last council document opens.
A history to be read in the light of the Gospel parables, like that of the weeds and the wheat. A history of insidious and terrible sin, crystallised in its “structures”, of personal sin that wounds and demeans the experience of every one of us. But also a history of grace that works silently and appears in “small flames of goodness, love, and truth”, like those countless flames which dotted and lit up the Square on this moonless night.
So a simple joy, a humble joy; but a true joy, aware that the presence and of the work of the Spirit of the Lord is with us – despite everything – and is strong and loyal.
Humble joy, small flames of goodness and truth, that transform and give warmth. Those who think the Year of Faith had to be seen in a series of triumphal events do not get it right.
Pope Benedict is aiming in an entirely different direction. Looking at the faithful in the Squarelast night, he ends by echoing Pope John: “Go home, give your children a kiss, and tell them that it comes from the Pope”. A simple kiss full of the love of God.
Thus, the Year of Faith begins.