| On Sunday evening, 10 May 2009, the Holy Father blessed two
foundation stones, at Bethany beyond the Jordan, one for a Latin church
and one for a Greek Melkite church. The Pope recalled, in addition to
the Baptism of Christ, the biblical association of the prophet Elijah
with this area. Dear Brother Bishops,
Dear friends,
It is with great spiritual joy that I come to bless the foundation
stones of two Catholic Churches to be built beside the river Jordan, a
place marked by many memorable events in biblical history. The prophet
Elijah the Tishbite, was from this area, not far north of Galaad. Near
here, facing Jericho, the waters of the Jordan opened before Elijah who
was taken up by the Lord in a chariot of fire (cf. 2 Kg 2:9-12). Here
the Spirit of the Lord called John the son of Zechariah to preach a
conversion of hearts. John the Evangelist also places in this area the
meeting between the Baptist and Jesus, who at his baptism was "anointed"
by the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and proclaimed the beloved
Son of the Father (cf. Jn 1:28; Mk 1:9-11).
I greet with joy His Beatitude Gregorios III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch
for the Greek Melkite Church. I also greet with affection His Beatitude
Archbishop Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. I extend my warm
best wishes to His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, to the Auxiliary Bishops
present, particularly to Archbishop Joseph Jules Zerey and the Most
Reverend Salim Sayegh, whom I thank for his kind words of welcome. I am
pleased to greet all the Bishops, priests, religious and faithful who
accompany us today. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that the two
buildings, one Latin, the other Greek Melkite, will serve to build up,
each according to the traditions of its own community, the one family of
God.
The foundation stone of a church is a symbol of Christ. The Church rests
on Christ, is sustained by him and cannot be separated from him. He is
the one foundation of every Christian community, the living stone,
rejected by the builders but chosen and precious in God’s sight as the
cornerstone (cf. 1 Pet 2:4-5, 7). With him, we too are living stones
built into a spiritual house, a dwelling place for God (cf. Eph 2:20-22;
1 Pet 2:5). Saint Augustine loved to refer to the mystery of the Church
as the Christus totus, the whole Christ, the full or complete Body of
Christ, Head and members. This is the reality of the Church; it is
Christ and us, Christ with us. He is with us as the vine is with its own
branches (cf. Jn 15:1-8). The Church is in Christ a community of new
life, a dynamic reality of grace that flows from him. Through the Church
Christ purifies our hearts, enlightens our minds, unites us with the
Father and, in the one Spirit, moves us to a daily exercise of Christian
love. We confess this joyful reality as the One, Holy, Catholic and
Apostolic Church.
We enter the Church through baptism. The memory of Christ’s own baptism
is brought vividly before us in this place. Jesus stood in line with
sinners and accepted John’s baptism of penance as a prophetic sign of
his own passion, death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.
Down through the centuries, many pilgrims have come to the Jordan to
seek purification, renew their faith and draw closer to the Lord. Such
was the pilgrim Egeria, who left a written account of her visit during
the late fourth century. The Sacrament of Baptism, drawing its power
from Christ’s death and resurrection, will be cherished especially by
the Christian communities that gather in the new church buildings. May
the Jordan always remind you that you have been washed in the waters of
baptism and have become members of the family of Jesus. Your lives, in
obedience to his word, are being transformed into his image and
likeness. As you strive to be faithful to your baptismal commitment of
conversion, witness and mission, know that you are being strengthened by
the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Dear brothers and sisters, may the prayerful contemplation of these
mysteries enrich you with spiritual joy and moral courage. With the
Apostle Paul, I encourage you to grow in the whole range of noble
attitudes covered by the blessed name of agape, Christian love (cf. 1
Cor 13:1-13). Promote dialogue and understanding in civil society,
especially when claiming your legitimate rights. In the Middle East,
marked by tragic suffering, by years of violence and unresolved
tensions, Christians are called to offer their contribution, inspired by
the example of Jesus, of reconciliation and peace through forgiveness
and generosity. Continue being grateful to those who lead you and serve
you faithfully as ministers of Christ. You do well to accept their
guidance in faith knowing that, by receiving the apostolic teaching they
transmit, you welcome Christ and you welcome the One who sent him (cf.
Mt 10:40).
My dear brothers and sisters, we now proceed to bless these two stones,
the beginning of two new sacred buildings. May the Lord sustain,
strengthen and increase the communities that will worship in them. And
may he bless you all with his gift of peace. Amen!
Distributed by:
The Holy See Press Office
10 May 2009
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