VATICAN CITY, APRIL 5, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The cross and resurrection of Christ is a present reality that attracts us to his love, Benedict XVI said when celebrating the Mass of the Lord's Supper.
During this evening's Mass in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope reflected on the way in which the Eucharist makes the sacrifice of the cross present throughout time.
"Let's ask the Lord," the Holy Father said, "that he may help us understand more and more deeply this wonderful mystery, to love it more and more, and in it, to love him more and more."
The Pontiff spoke about the apparent contradiction between the Synoptics and the Gospel of John, as to the day of the crucifixion in relation to the sacrifice of the paschal lambs.
According to Benedict XVI, a possible solution, though not "yet accepted by everyone," came from the discovery of the Qumran writings: "Jesus did shed his blood the day before Passover at the time of the immolation of the lambs. But he probably celebrated the Passover supper with his disciples according to the Qumran calendar, that is, at least one day earlier."
During the liturgy, the Pope performed the washing of the feet, with a dozen representatives of lay associations of the Diocese of Rome.
During the presentation of the gifts, the Pontiff was presented a monetary offering which will be sent to a medical dispensary in Somalia.
Code: ZE07040506
Date: 2007-04-05