The highlight of the Jubilee dedicated to priests was celebrated in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis presided at a Mass on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
He reminded the priests that despite their many occupations they should not let their hearts drift away from God.
POPE FRANCIS
'Amid all these, we must still ask ourselves: What is my heart set on, where is it directed, what is the treasure that it seeks? For as Jesus says: 'Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'â?
Pope Francis gave the priests who work on several fronts advice, which was summed up in three words: seek out, include and rejoice.
POPE FRANCIS
'The prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God himself goes out in search of his sheep. Without delaying, he leaves the pasture and his regular workday... and he doesn't ask to be paid for the extra hours.'
The good priest, the Pope went on to explain, does not exclude anyone and is not afraid to get his hands dirty if that means none of the sheep of his flock perish.
POPE FRANCIS
'With a fatherâ??s loving gaze and heart, he welcomes and includes everyone, and if at times he has to correct, it is to draw people closer. He stands apart from no one, but is always ready to dirty his hands. The good shepherd should not own gloves.'
Finally, the Pope said the third aspect that should guide the life of a priest is joy. He said it is a joy that comes from knowing that nothing is more powerful than the love of God, which they transmit freely to others and it holds them in times of difficulty.
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