Pope Francis: humbleness, honesty lead to God’s mercy
(Vatican Radio) Tens of
thousands of pilgrims crowded St Peter’s Square Wednesday for Pope Francis’
weekly General Audience. In remarks to the English speaking faithful,
Pope Francis said “true prayer is born of a heart which repents of its faults
and failings, yet pleads for the grace to live the great commandment of love of
God and neighbor.” And, we may receive God’s mercy if we are honest and
humble.
Below, please find the
text of the Holy Father’s remarks in English:
Dear Brothers and
Sisters: In our continuing catechesis for this Holy Year of Mercy, we now
turn to the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18:9-14).
Jesus contrasts the arrogance and self-righteousness of the Pharisee’s prayer
with the tax collector’s humble recognition of his sinfulness and need for the
Lord’s mercy. True prayer is born of a heart which repents of its faults
and failings, yet pleads for the grace to live the great commandment of love of
God and neighbour. Indeed, the proud disdain of the Pharisee for the
sinner at his side prevents him from being righteous in God’s sight. To
pray well, then, we need to look into our own hearts and there, in humble
silence, let the Lord speak to us. The honesty and humility which God
asks of us is the necessary condition for our receiving his mercy. The
Blessed Virgin Mary is the model of such prayer. In herMagnificat,
she tells us that God looks with favour on the humility of his servants, and
hears their plea. May she, our Mother, help us to pray as we ought.
I greet the English-speaking
pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from
England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, the
Philippines, Nigeria, Canada and the United States of America. With
prayerful good wishes that the present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of
grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you
joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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