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Pope: God does not take away our freedom, but gives us true happiness


"The Kingdom of God is at hand and is indeed in the middle of us - this is the central message of all Christian mission," Pope Francis told the crowds in St Peter's Square during his Angelus address for the Second Sunday of Advent.

In the day's Gospel reading, John the Baptist issues the invitation to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". The Holy Father explained that with these same words Jesus will start his mission in Galilee and it is an announcement that will "bring the disciples on their first missionary experience."

The kingdom of heaven is not just a place in the afterlife, but it is the good news that Jesus brings us, he said.

"God comes to establish his dominion in our history, in our everyday life;" and where it is accepted with faith and humility and love. But in order to become part of this kingdom, we must make a change in our lives - that is to repent.

The Pope said, we must "leave the streets .. the idols of this world: the success at all costs, the power at the expense of the weak, the thirst for wealth, pleasure at any price and instead open the way for the Lord who comes."

God does not take away our freedom, Pope Francis said, "but he gives us true happiness. With the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, it is God himself who has come to dwell among us, to free us from selfishness, from sin and corruption."

During his address the Holy Father invited the faithful to prepare spiritually for Christmas by examining their consciences and confessing their sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Following the recitation of the Angelus Pope Francis said: "see you Thursday for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. We pray together, asking her maternal intercession for the conversion of hearts and the gift of peace."

He also wished the crowds a good lunch.

Source: Vatican Radio

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