Pope to Church, World: Only God saves

"[God] alone, he alone can save us. Only God’s mercy can free humanity from the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst. The grace of God can convert hearts and offer mankind a way out of humanly insoluble situations." + Pope Francis

The Holy Father's annual Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi address (to the Church and the World) illuminated growing terror around the globe with the twin lights of Christmas and the newly opened Jubilee of Mercy. While not specifically mentioning climate or ecology, he was clear that all the great issues of our age are interrelated and rooted in sin—his grand theme in Laudato Si'.

Some of his address was especially meaningful in light of the recent (and mostly successful) COP21 international climate talks.

"On this festal day may the Lord grant renewed hope to all those who lack employment; may he sustain the commitment of those with public responsibilities in political and economic life, that they may work to pursue the common good and to protect the dignity of every human life."

Amen, amen. Only God's mercy and grace can change us where change is needed the most. Our laws and programs certainly are needed. And we who discharge such duties must keep ever before us the goal of the common good. Yet we must remain mindful that salvation from former ways comes only from Christ.

And so we continue to cheer His presence among us this Christmas Day and at every Mass and every time we receive any of the seven sacraments.

Merry Christmas, all!

Photo: Pope Francis, after his Christmas Day address. (Vatican Television)