At today's General Audience, Pope Francis spoke about the Lord accompanying his followers through their lives. He recalled that Saint Paul reminds Christians of this, by inviting everyone to hear the Holy Spirit in their hearts.
Pope Francis concluded by encouraging one another to 'see ourselves and the world with Christ's eyesâ?, and if ever one is discouraged, to remember that 'the Holy Spirit comes to our aid, to reveal new heavens and a new earth which he is preparing for us.â?
SUMMARY OF POPE CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Rather than being something we possess and use for own pleasure, Saint Paul reminds us that creation is Godâ??s gift, which reveals to us his loving plan. But when we are self-centered and commit sin, we break our communion with God, and the original beauty of human nature and creation is marred. Thus, rather than show Godâ??s infinite love, creation bears the wounds of human pride.
The Lord, however, does
not
abandon
us
, but offers us a new horizon of freedom and salvation. Saint Paul reminds us of this truth, by inviting us to hear the groaning of all people and things, and even the groaning of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
These groans
are
not
sterile, but speak of the pangs of birth, the ushering in of new life. Despite the many signs of our sins and failings, we know that we are saved by the Lord, and even now contemplate and experience within ourselves and all around us signs of the Resurrection, a new creation. We know that Jesus wants to heal us and creation once
and
for
all
, and reconcile us in his love.
Let us see ourselves and the world with Christâ??s eyes. And when we are discouraged or tempted to despair, let us remember that the Holy Spirit comes to our aid, to keep alive our cries to God, and to reveal new heavens and a new earth which he is preparing for us.
JC
FL
- PR
UP: JMB
