God responds generously to people's shortcomings, pope says at Angelus

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God responds to the shortcomings of the faithful with his superabundance, Pope Francis said.

During one's lifetime, a person may notice that something essential is missing, he said, "that we lack the strength and many things."

"It happens when the worries that plague us, the fears that assail us or the overwhelming forces of evil rob us of the taste for life, the exhilaration of joy and the flavor of hope," he said before praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter's Square Jan 19.

But "take note," he said, "in the face of this lack, when the Lord gives, he gives in superabundance."

"It seems to be a contradiction: the more that is lacking in us, the greater the Lord's superabundance. Because the Lord wants to celebrate with us in a feast without end," he said.

The pope's reflection was based on the day's Gospel reading (Jn 2:1-11) about Jesus turning water into wine during a wedding feast in Cana.

The account "foreshadows and encapsulates the whole of Jesus' mission" according to the prophets, he said. On the day of the coming of the Messiah, the Lord will prepare "a feast of … choice wines," and Jesus is "the bridegroom who brings the 'good wine.'"

When there is no more wine at the wedding in Cana, Jesus intervenes by providing plenty of exquisite wine.

"How does God respond to man's lack? With superabundance," the pope said. "God is not stingy! When he gives, he gives a lot. He does not give you a little bit, he gives you a lot."