During his morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis invited Christians to rediscover the joy that comes from praising God.
The Pope said that while it is difficult to say a prayer of praise, remembering the things the Lord has done in one's life is a good starting point.
POPE FRANCIS
'We know very well how to pray when we want to ask for things, even when we want to thank the Lord, but a prayer of praise is a bit more difficult for us: we are not used to praising the Lord. We can do this better by remembering all of the things that the Lord has done for us in our lives: 'In Him - in Christ - He chose us before the creation of the world'. Blessed are you, Lord, because You chose me! It is the joy of a paternal and tender closeness.â?
The Pope concluded his homily by adding that through the Eucharist, one can experience the Mystery of God's love.
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S HOMILY
(Source: Vatican Radio)
'We know very well how to pray when we want to ask for things, even when we want to thank the Lord, but a prayer of praise is a bit more difficult for us: we are not used to praising the Lord. We can do this better by remembering all of the things that the Lord has done for us in our lives: 'In Him - in Christ - He chose us before the creation of the world'. Blessed are you, Lord, because You chose me! It is the joy of a paternal and tender closeness.â?
'This is impossible to understand or even imagine: The fact that the Lord knew me before the creation of the world, that my name was in the Lordâ??s heart. This is the truth! This is the revelation! If we do not believe this then we are not Christian! We may be steeped in a theist religiosity, but not Christian! The Christian is a chosen one, the Christian is someone who has been chosen in Godâ??s heart before the creation of the world. This thought also fills our hearts with joy: I am chosen! It gives us confidence.â?
'When we celebrate the Eucharist, we enter into this Mystery, that one cannot fully understand: the Lord is alive, He is with us, here, in His glory, in all His fullness and gives His life for us once again. We must learn this attitude of entering into the Mystery every day. The Christian is a woman, a man, who endeavors to enter into the Mystery. The Mystery cannot be controlled: this is the Mystery! I enter [into it]'.
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