The Pope to the laity: “To wait is to participate in the problems of the world.”

On the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Bari, “a bishop known for his sensitivity toward the needy,” said the Pope, the nerve center of his brief catechesis This morning in St. Peter's Square was the liturgical season of Advent. But “it is not a passive wait. To wait is to participate in the problems and beauties of the world.”.

God involves us in his story, in his dreams. “To wait, then, is to participate. The motto of the Jubilee, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ is not a slogan that will disappear in a month,” said the Holy Father. “It is a program of life: ‘pilgrims of hope’ means people who walk and wait, but not with their hands in their pockets, but participating.”.

“The Second Vatican Council taught us to read the signs of the times: it tells us that no one can do it alone, but that together, in the Church and with many brothers and sisters, we read the signs of the times.”.

God is not outside the world, outside this life: “We have learned from the first coming of Jesus, God-with-us, to seek him among the realities of life. Seek him with intelligence, heart, and rolled-up sleeves!” he encouraged.

Vatican II: mission for the lay faithful, in particular

And the Council has said that “this mission corresponds in a special way to the lay faithful, men and women, because the God who became incarnate comes to meet us in everyday situations.». 

In the world's problems, “Jesus waits for us and involves us, asking us to work with Him. That is why waiting is participating!” he reiterated to tens of thousands of pilgrims and faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Example of the young politician Alberto Marvelli

Pope Leo has set an example of "Alberto Marvelli, a young Italian who lived in the first half of the last century. Raised in a family that followed the Gospel, trained in Catholic Action, he graduated with a degree in engineering and entered social life during World War II, which he strongly condemned.

In Rimini and the surrounding area, he “committed himself with all his strength to helping the wounded, the sick, and the displaced.” Many admired him for his selfless dedication, and after the war, he was elected councilman and put in charge of the housing and reconstruction commission. 

“This is how he entered active political life, but it was precisely when he was riding his bicycle to a rally that he was hit by a military truck. He was 28 years old.”. 

“Losing a little security and peace of mind in order to choose what is right”

The lesson Pope Francis draws from Marvelli is this: “Alberto shows us that waiting is participating, that serving the Kingdom of God brings joy even in the midst of great risks. The world becomes a better place if we lose a little security and tranquility in order to choose the good. This is participating.”.

Let us ask ourselves, the Pontiff encouraged: “Am I participating in any good initiatives that engage my talents? Do I have the perspective and encouragement of the Kingdom of God when I perform a service? Or do I do it grumbling, complaining that everything is going wrong? A smile on our lips is a sign of grace within us.”.

“No one saves the world alone: together is better.”

Finally, the Pope emphasized: “To wait is to participate: this is a gift that God gives us. No one saves the world alone. And not even God wants to save it alone: he could do so, but he does not want to, because together is better. Participating allows us to express and make more our own what we will ultimately contemplate forever, when Jesus returns definitively.”

Petition to our Immaculate Mother

In his greeting to Spanish-speaking pilgrims, ahead of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th, Pope Leo encouraged them: “Let us ask our Immaculate Mother to teach us to participate in the building of the City of God, offering our gifts with joy and gratitude. May the Lord bless you. Thank you very much.”.

To the English-speaking pilgrims and all the faithful present, the Pope said: “As we begin this season of Advent, let us prepare our hearts not only to recognize the ways in which God comes to meet us, but also the ways in which he invites us to share in his life. May God bless you all!».