This week’s General Audience again took place in the pope’s study.
He focused his catechesis on daily prayer, which he says is a way of praying born out of love.
POPE FRANCIS
“The person who prays is like someone in love who always carries the beloved in his or her heart wherever they go. That’s why we can pray at any moment, in the events of daily life: in the streets, at the office, on the train; with words or in the silence of our hearts.”
Pope Francis also said we shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to begin a daily conversation with God.
POPE FRANCIS
“Those who live always thinking about the future, in the future: “But it will be better…”, but do not take each day as it comes: these are people who live in their fantasy. They do not know how to deal with concrete reality. And today is real. Today is concrete. And prayer is to be done today. Jesus comes to meet us today, the day we are living.”
The pope also suggested pausing when faced with thoughts or situations that can cause anger or despair. He proposed offering those emotions up to God and turning to Him to regain hope.
He said prayer can provide the strength to face difficulties, overcome anger and accept one’s own fragility and that of others.
He also remembered the victims of the tragedy in India, where a glacier fell into a river. The resulting avalanche of water and rocks left over 150 people missing and displaced thousands.
POPE FRANCIS
“I express my closeness to the victims of the calamity that happened three days ago in the north of India. FLASH I pray for the workers who died and for their families and for all those who were harmed and wounded.”
He also expressed his heartfelt greetings to those who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year in the Far East this week.
He reminded the faithful that tomorrow is the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, who, according to Church tradition, intercedes for the sick.
Javier Romero
Translation: CT
