In the catechesis during the General Audience, the pope recalled how early Christians faced problems that arose in their communities.
“In the early Christian community, some complained that their widows were being neglected in the distribution of bread,” the pope said.
Pope Francis recalled that the Apostles created a solution to maintain peace between service of the Word and service to the poor. Even when met with adversary, these men forgave their adversaries and entrusted the Lord with their lives.
TEXT FROM THE CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
Dear brothers and sisters:
We follow the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In the early days, when some of the Christian community complained that their widows were being neglected, the Apostles created a solution to maintain peace between service of the Word and service to the poor.
They chose seven men to carry out charity, including Stephen, who proclaimed Christ's Paschal Mystery as key to the history of the covenant. His words were met with resistance.
When condemned to death, Stephen forgave his adversaries and entrusted his life to the Lord. His actions teach us that our identity as God's children comes from giving ourselves to the Father and forgiving those who offend us
By contemplating martyrs from the past and present, we may accept the martyrdom of daily fidelity to the Gospel and conformity to Christ.
I greet the English-speakers of today's Audience, especially those from England, Scotland, Denmark, Malta, Norway, Kenya, Australia, Mariana Islands, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United States of America. My greeting goes to the new seminarians of the Venerable English College. Upon all of you, I invoke the joy and peace of Jesus Christ. May God bless you!
