Pope begins new series of catecheses on Christian Hope
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis began a new series of
catechesis at his General Audience on Wednesday, focusing on the theme of
“Christian hope.” It is especially important to reflect on this theme, he said,
during the season of Advent, “a time of expectation, in which we prepare to
welcome once more the consoling mystery of the Incarnation and the light of
Christmas.”
Here is the full text of the English summary of Pope
Francis’ catechesis for the General Audience of 7 December 2016:
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today we begin a new series
of catecheses dealing with Christian hope. In these times, when evil
often seems to have the upper hand, hope comforts us with the assurance of
Christ’s lordship, his victory over sin, and his constant presence in our
midst. In this Advent season, we hear once more the great message of
consolation spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Comfort, comfort my
people”. The prophet tells us that God promises to bring his people
home from their exile in a foreign land and that he desires that a way be
prepared for him through the desert. This summons to renewed faith and
trust in God’s saving power is also addressed to us. Saint John the
Baptist, preaching in the desert of Judea, echoed these words as he prepared
the way for the coming of Jesus. The Scriptures show us how Christ’s
birth was prepared for by men and women – like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah and
Elizabeth – who never lost their trust in God’s promises. May we imitate
their hope, and await the coming of the Saviour, who turns the desert of our
lives into a garden of delight.
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