
Pope Francis: ‘Rhetoric of Inclusion’ is Not Enough to Forge a ‘Culture of Social Tenderness’
The Pope said that a lifetime of patient waiting for God had sharpened Simeon and Anna’s spiritual senses.
The Pope said that a lifetime of patient waiting for God had sharpened Simeon and Anna’s spiritual senses.
Speaking about God’s tenderness and mercy, Pope Francis said that the “things of God always reach us through the mediation of human experiences.”
The Pope said that St. Paul could not fathom why the Galatians would prefer another “gospel” when offered such a great gift.
During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis said it was beautiful to remember that not only do we receive grace through our own prayers, but that we have also been prayed for by Jesus to the Father.
The pope urged Catholics not to become overly attached to any one form of meditative prayer, saying that “the method is a road, not a goal.”
Pope Francis stressed that without prayer, the Church becomes “like an empty shell” in which no effective changes take place and which loses its direction to evangelize.
Pope Francis dedicated the audience to the prayer of praise, which the Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes as one of the principal forms of prayer, alongside blessing and adoration, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving.
The pope gave his final general audience address of 2020 in the library of the apostolic palace, where the weekly event has been held since October because of rising coronavirus cases in Italy.
When we put prayer first, Pope Francis explained, daily trials turn into opportunities to grow in faith and charity.
In his catechesis, the pope observed that the Psalms present prayer as “the fundamental reality of life.”
Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Renew or manage your subscription here.
SubscribeStart your Register subscription today.
Subscribe NowSign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription.
Order NowGive a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register.
Order NowOrder Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization or school.
Order NowSign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox.
Sign Up