"Gott ist Liebe und Liebe ist stärker als der Tod" – Predigt von Weihbischof Rolf Steinhäuser

In his sermon at Cologne Cathedral, Auxiliary Bishop Rolf Steinhäuser described Mary as a quiet yet central figure in the early Church. She stood "unobtrusively, as ever" amidst the apostles and women. She prayed with them for the Holy Spirit. This Spirit had overcome people's fear and brought about a "new creation": the believer who sees with the "eyes of God," hopes in the power of the Spirit, and acts with the love of Christ. Inspired by the Spirit of Christ, people could not remain silent but had to speak of God's work. "The great God has done great things for us," Steinhäuser quoted. At the same time, he emphasized that God loves all people: "God is love, and love is stronger than death." The auxiliary bishop said that this faith had inspired others and shaped the community of Christians. Mary appears as a role model for all who also wish to believe: "She is silent, she prays, she loves."