On this Holy Thursday, within the framework of the beginning of the Easter Triduum of Holy Week, Pope Francis presided over the Chrism Mass in the Vatican. During the ceremony, the Supreme Pontiff gave a long homily, highlighting the importance of humility and forgiveness for priests.
In his message, Pope Francis urged clerics to free themselves from selfishness and ambitions that may hinder their pastoral ministry. “How much we need to free ourselves from resistance and recriminations, from selfishness and ambition, from rigorism and dissatisfaction, to entrust ourselves and intercede before God, finding in Him a peace that saves from any storm,” expressed the Holy Father.
Furthermore, the Pope called for compassion and mercy towards those who are far from the faith. «From us, his Shepherds, the Lord does not ask us for derogatory judgments about those who do not believe, but for love and tears for those who are far away. The difficult situations that we see and live, the lack of faith, the sufferings that we touch, when coming into contact with a broken heart, do not arouse determination in controversy, but perseverance in mercy,” said Pope Francis.
The Chrism Mass is one of the most significant ceremonies for the Catholic Church during Holy Week. On this occasion, the oils that will be used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick are blessed, and priestly promises are renewed.
Pope Francis’ call to humility and forgiveness resonates at a time when the Church faces internal and external challenges. His words reflect the importance of remaining faithful to the values of the Gospel and serving with love and compassion all the faithful, especially those who need it most.
Images of the Chrism Mass, provided by the Vatican, show Pope Francis presiding over the ceremony, accompanied by clerics from around the world. These images capture the solemnity and reverence of the event, as well as the Holy Father’s devotion to his pastoral ministry.
In a world marked by division and conflict, Pope Francis’ words resonate as a call for reconciliation and compassion. May his message inspire all priests to follow the example of humility and service of Jesus Christ, bringing the light of the Gospel to all corners of the world.
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of correctly understanding the meaning of tears of compunction, stressing that they are not simply about self-pity or wallowing in the adversities experienced. He explained that these tears do not arise from a desire for self-pity or to dwell on the injustices suffered, but rather are an act of deep repentance for having saddened God with sin.
The Holy Father warned about worldly sadness, which wallows in afflictions and self-pity, contrasting it with Godly sadness. According to Francis, having tears of compunction implies humbly recognizing our condition as debtors before God and admitting to having lost the path towards holiness by not fully trusting in the love of the One who gave his life for us.
Later, the Pope emphasized that a heart without repentance or tears becomes progressively rigid. First, he clings to his routines; then, he becomes intolerant towards problems and alien to people; then it grows cold and almost insensible, as if wrapped in an impenetrable shell; Finally, it becomes a heart of stone.
However, he insisted that “just as a drop excavates the stone, tears slowly pierce hardened hearts.” In this way, the miracle of sadness leading to sweetness is observed.
“Compunction is the remedy,” he stated, “for it reveals to us the truth about ourselves, allowing the depth of our sinful condition to reveal the infinitely greater reality of being forgiven.”