Pope calls on faithful to be instruments of God’s
mercy
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis
urged the faithful on Wednesday to make place in their lives for God’s message
of Salvation with faith and without prejudice.
Speaking to the pilgrims
gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weeklyGeneral Audience, the Pope
reflected on the Gospel reading of the day which speaks of God’s infinite
mercy.
Taking his cue from St
Matthew's Gospel account of how John the Baptist – who was imprisoned
both in a cell and in the darkness of a heart that failed to understand Jesus’
humble style – the Pope said John was upset because his expectations of Jesus’
ministry were not what he anticipated.
God – Francis said - did not
send his Son to punish sinners and crush the wicked. Rather he came to invite
them to conversion.
And pointing out that Jesus
is the concrete instrument of the Father’s mercy that brings consolation and
salvation to all, the Pope urged those present not to create false images of
the Messiah for their own use and consumption.
When we construct our own
image of God – he explained – this prevents us from experiencing his real
presence among us.
“Some reduce Him to a false
idol using his name to justify their interests, and even hatred and violence”
he said.
Some seek him only in times
of difficulty and others consider Christ a mere good master of ethical
teachings: “one amongst many in history” he said.
Pope Francis concluded his
catechesis reminding the faithful not to lose sight of the fact that faith
calls us beyond ourselves to be God's missionaries in the world.
“Let us renew our commitment
to remove every obstacle that prevents us from experiencing the merciful works
of our Father – he said - and let us ask him for an ever deeper faith so that
we may be signs and instruments of his mercy”.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét