Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis reflected on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. He emphasized that this moment serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is the salvation of all people, the light that illuminates the world, and a sign of contradiction that reveals the truth of human hearts.
Taking inspiration from the Gospel of Luke (Lk 2:22-40), Pope Francis recalled how Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. There, Simeon and Anna recognized Him as the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption. Pope Francis explained that this moment marks a radical newness, as God is no longer confined to the walls of the Temple but is now present among His people as one of them.
Pope Francis highlighted three words that Simeon used to describe Jesus: salvation, light, and a sign of contradiction. He first noted that Jesus is salvation, as Simeon proclaims that in Him, universal salvation is revealed. This, Pope Francis emphasized, is a profound truth that demonstrates God’s redemptive love fully embodied in Christ, offering hope to all humanity.
He then reflected on Jesus as light, comparing Him to the rising sun that dispels the darkness of suffering, evil, and death. He remarked that this light continues to shine in the world today, calling on the faithful to embrace Christ’s guidance in their lives.
Finally, Pope Francis spoke of Jesus as a sign of contradiction, revealing the deeper truths of human hearts. He explained that Jesus challenges human history and personal choices, stating, “Jesus reveals the criteria by which all history and its drama are judged, as well as each of our lives. This criterion is love: whoever loves lives, whoever hates dies.”
Pope Francis invited the faithful to reflect on their spiritual expectations and desires, posing questions about their hopes and readiness to encounter God. He encouraged everyone to seek a true relationship with the Lord and to open their hearts to His plan of salvation. Concluding his message, Pope Francis urged all to turn to the Virgin Mary in prayer, asking her to accompany humanity through history’s joys and challenges on the journey toward the Lord.