Editorial of Sr. Antonella Prestia, General Councillor
“Work of Your Hands”
The Easter period, which is now coming to a close, has been marked by a series of significant ecclesiastical events with a global impact. On Easter Monday, the death of Pope Francis came as a shock to the world, leaving it somewhat orphaned. All the media spoke of him, of his testimony as a person, Head of State as well as a spiritual and charismatic leader. Politicians and ordinary people alike expressed their condolences, praising the values he had upheld through his actions and words.
“Take your life and make it a masterpiece”, John Paul II told the young people at Tor Vergata during the 2000 World Youth Day. This is precisely how Pope Francis has lived his life: as a masterpiece, embodying the Gospel and fulfilling his mission.
Then came the Conclave and the election of Pope Leo XIV, who embraced the entire world with his smile and greeting “Peace be with you all”. He himself, at the beginning of his ministry, said: In this our time… For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world. We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love.[1]
In order to create masterpieces and become true works of art, we are all called upon to welcome and listen, put ourselves at the feet of the Master, Christ the Wisdom of God, who invites each one of us to become, in our own way, a craftsman of his kingdom.
In fact, we are God’s creatures, and at the same time, God calls all human beings to collaborate with him in his work of creation. We are on the way, in an ‘already there’ and a ‘not yet there’.
We are all masterpieces, and we can all transform our daily lives into works of art that bear witness to the Lord Jesus and give him a face. As Pope Francis said in his homily during the Jubilee for the World of Culture, Artists reveal the truth, goodness and beauty hidden within the folds of history, to give voice to the voiceless, to transform pain into hope…. […] Dear artists, I see in you guardians of beauty who are willing to attend to the brokenness of our world, listen to the cry of those who are poor, suffering, wounded, imprisoned persecuted or refugees…We live in a time when new walls are being erected, when differences become a pretext for division rather than an opportunity for mutual enrichment. But you, men and women of the world of culture, are called to build bridges, to create spaces for encounter and dialogue, to enlighten minds and warm hearts.[2]
