Only the Cross offers fulfillment, Pope says as Holy Week begins

April 06, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI opened Holy Week at the Vatican with a Mass that began with the Palm Sunday procession through St. Peter's Square and included the singing of the Passion. In his homily the Holy Father told the congregation of 40,000 that "without a 'Yes' to the Cross-- without walking in communion with Christ day after day-- life cannot be fulfilling."

The Pope reminded the congregation that Christ's Kingdom is "not the rule of political power, but is exclusively based on the free adherence of love." Even today, he said, many people, like Pilate, misunderstand the nature of the Kingdom. Two things must be recognized, the Pope said: "this Kingdom passes through the Cross;" and "his Kingdom is universal."

Therefore, the Pontiff said, the only means to human fulfillment is the path of the Cross. This, he said, "includes sacrifice, renunciation." He added: "Those who promise a life without this ever-new gift of self, are deluding people." On the other hand, he said-- speaking of his own personal experience-- "the times when I have said 'Yes' to sacrifice have been the greatest and most important moments of my life."

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Only by saying 'Yes' to God does life acquire meaning (VIS)
• Pope: The Cross, fundamental law for the life of young people (AsiaNews)