Post date: Jan 06, 2014 4:8:37 PM
Pope Francis conducts Epiphany Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, urging people not to be content with a life of mediocrity or "playing it safe".
VATICAN (JANUARY 6, 2014 (CTV) - Pope Francis on Monday (January 6) urged the faithful not to settle for a life of mediocrity and warned them not to be deceived by appearances as he marked Epiphanywith a mass at the Vatican.
Large crowds attended the mass in St. Peter's Basilica, celebrating Epiphany which traditionally marks the end of the Christmas season in the Roman and Protestant Christian traditions.The pope, who a day earlier on Sunday (January 5) announced his first trip to the Middle East as pontiff, wove his homily around the experience of the "Magi", or wise men, who followed a light that brought them to baby Jesus.
Francis said the Magi were "wise companions" for all Christians.
"They teach us not to be content with a life of mediocrity, of "playing it safe", but to let ourselves be attracted always by what is good, true and beautiful … by God, who is all of this, and so much more! And they teach us not to be deceived by appearances, by what the world considers great, wise and powerful. We must not stop at that. It is important to preserve the faith. In these times, this is very important, to keep the faith," he said.
"By the example of the Magi, with our little lights, may we seek the Light and preserve the faith," Francis added.
The mass and the following Angelus prayer marked an end to Francis's hectic first Christmas period as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.