Turn to Jesus, not to horoscopes, Pope says in Angelus address
November 16, 2015
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading (Mark 13:24-32), which discusses the end times, Pope Francis said on November 15 that “the central nucleus around which the words of Jesus turns is he himself, the mystery of his person, and of his death and resurrection, and his return at the end of time.”
“Our final goal is an encounter with the Risen Lord,” Pope Francis said to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus. “I would like to ask how many of you think about this: ‘there will be a day in which I encounter the Lord face to face.’”
“The Lord Jesus is not only the destination point of our earthly pilgrimage, but also a constant presence in our lives,” the Pope continued.
He added:
He counters the false prophets, the fortune-tellers who predict that the end of the world is near; he counters fatalism. He is at our side; he walks with us; he loves us so much.
He wants to direct his disciples of every age away from curiosity about dates, predictions, horoscopes, and concentrate their attention on the today of history. I would like to ask you -- but don’t answer out loud; each one answer to himself -- how many are there among us who read the horoscope every day? Each one answer, and when you feel like reading your horoscope, look to Jesus who is with us. That is better and will serve us better.
“Everything passes, the Lord reminds us,” the Pope continued. “His word alone remains as light that looks upon and steadies our journey. He always forgives us because he is at our side. We only have to look at him and he changes our hearts. May the Virgin Mary help us to trust in Jesus, the firm foundation of our lives, and persevere with joy in his love.”
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Further information:
- Angelus Domini 2015.11.15 (YouTube, Vatican)
- Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus, 15.11.2015 (Holy See Press Office)
- Angelus Address: On Today and the End Times (Zenit)
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