September 25, 2011. (Romereports.com) On the last day of his four day visit, roughly 100,000 people attended the pope's Mass in Freiburg's airport, including all of Germany's bishops.
The pope gave a powerful homily, where he questioned the role of evil in the world. He said God gives people automatic freedom, therefore He cannot intervene, even when people choose a wrongful path.
Benedict XVI
“He placed a limit on his power, by recognizing the freedom of His creatures. We are glad and thankful for the gift of freedom. However, when we see the terrible things that happen as a result of it, we are frightened. Let us put our trust in God, whose power manifests itself above all in mercy and forgiveness.”
The homily also focused on the danger of living a superficial life, especially a life that becomes a routine for believers. He said, for Catholics, words and opinions are not enough. Rather, they must actively practice their religion.
Benedict XVI
“Agnostics, who are constantly exercised by the question of God, those who long for a pure heart but suffer on account of our sin, are closer to the Kingdom of God than believers whose life of faith is 'routine' and who regard the Church merely as an institution, without letting their hearts be touched by faith.”
The pope then thanked all the bishops, priests, religious and lay people who work in institutions run by the Church. He reminded them, to do so with professionalism. But most importantly, he said they shouldn't see their work as a mere technical service, but rather, as a way to show God's love.
Benedict XVI
“Christian life is a life for others: existing for others, humble service of our neighbor and of the common good.”
Even though Mass was celebrated at the airport, organizers gave the space a religious feel. They added hundreds of pews and did everything they could to make it look like an actual church.
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