Today, March 28, Holy Thursday of the Year of Prayer, the Holy Chrism Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis, took place in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The invitation to return to Sant Pere and his tears
Pope Francis has offered his reflection in front of some four thousand faithful and fifteen hundred priests, and has concentrated on the healing of Peter’s heart, the healing of the Apostle and the healing of the Shepherd, which are possible when, “wounded and repentant, we allow ourselves to be forgiven by Jesus. Addressing priests in particular, Francis has focused his homily on a perhaps “outdated” word: compunction.
Compunction, a puncture in the heart
Francesc explained that compunction is a puncture in the heart, a puncture that wounds him and causes tears of regret to flow. It is not a feeling of guilt that pulls us down, but a charitable thread that burns inside and heals. When the heart realizes its own evil and recognizes itself as a sinner, it opens and welcomes the action of the Holy Spirit, living water that shakes it, making tears run down the face. Whoever takes off the mask and lets God look into his heart, receives the gift of these tears, which are the holiest waters after those of Baptism.
Compunction, the antidote against sclerosis of the heart
Pope Francis has emphasized that compunction is the antidote against sclerosis of the heart, against that hardness of heart that Jesus denounced so much. A heart without repentance or tears becomes rigid, intolerant of problems and people are indifferent to it. Compunction requires effort, but restores peace.
Compunction, a simple and intimate prayer
Francis pointed out that in the spiritual life, he counts on becoming like a child, because he who does not cry regresses, grows old inside. He who reaches a simpler and more intimate prayer, made of adoration and emotion before God, matures. He binds himself less and more to Christ, and becomes poor in spirit. In this way, he feels closer to the poor, God’s favourites.
Compunction, solidarity with others
The pope emphasized that a docile heart, freed by the spirit of the Beatitudes, is naturally inclined to show compunction for others. Instead of being angry or scandalized by the evil committed by the brothers, weep for their sins.
Compunction, love and tears for those who are far away
Francis has asked the pastors not to judge disparagingly those who do not believe, but to love them and weep for those who are far away. The difficult situations, the lack of faith and the sufferings that come in contact with a broken heart do not arouse determination in controversy, but perseverance in mercy.
Compunction, a grace that must be asked for in prayer
Francis emphasized that compunction is not the fruit of our work, but a grace that must be asked for in prayer.
Two final tips
The pope has shared two final pieces of advice: not to look at life and the call from a perspective of effectiveness and immediacy, but to widen the horizons to dilate the heart and experience compunction, and to rediscover the need to devote ourselves to free prayer, serene and prolonged.
