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The Gospel is a message of compassion, mercy, light, freedom, and joy, according to Pope Francis. Speaking at Mass on the Sunday of the Word of God in St. Peter's Basilica on January 26, he emphasized the call for individuals to become passionate witnesses of peace, solidarity, and reconciliation. This event also marked the conclusion of the Jubilee of the World of Communications.
"Evil’s days are numbered because the future belongs to God," Pope Francis stated. He highlighted that with the power of the Spirit, Jesus redeems from guilt and liberates hearts from bondage by bringing forgiveness into the world.
Pope Francis addressed how "the Messiah opens the eyes of our heart," which can often be blinded by power and vanity—described as diseases that prevent recognizing God's presence and obscure those who are weak and suffering.
During this Mass, Pope Francis installed 40 lay men and women into the ministry of lector—a role he formally opened to women in 2021. These individuals came from various countries including Albania, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Philippines, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, and Slovenia. Each new lector received a copy of sacred Scriptures while attendees were given a booklet containing parts of Luke's Gospel.
He encouraged daily reading of Scripture as a means to receive God's Spirit rather than just information about Him. In his homily referencing Luke 4:14-21 where Jesus reveals himself as Messiah, Pope Francis spoke about five actions defining this mission: bringing glad tidings to the poor; proclaiming liberty to captives; recovery of sight to blind; freeing oppressed; proclaiming an acceptable year to Lord.
Pope Francis urged commitment towards spreading good news among poor communities along with proclaiming freedom for captives or sight recovery for blind people—emphasizing transformation aligned with God's will.
After Mass concluded at Vatican City’s St Peter’s Basilica during final day celebrations marking both events mentioned earlier above (Sunday Word & Jubilee), Pope appeared before crowd gathered outside below window study location praying Angelus together visitors present there too! He challenged faithful believers recognize unique authority held by Jesus Nazareth bearing salvation proclamation unmatched elsewhere questioning whether they felt needful themselves experiencing such liberation offered through him alone!
Finally welcoming young boy representing Rome Catholic Action group standing alongside addressing audience gathered below during traditional gesture peace shared annually each January end month time frame...expressed gratitude Holy Year experience while sharing dream vision leaders worldwide passing Holy Door hand-in-hand contemplating children suffering war violence urging silencing weapons globally henceforth...
