More and more pilgrims are being admitted to the Pope's public Masses.
This Pentecost Sunday they filled St. Peter's Basilica while wearing masks and keeping socially distanced.
The Pope approached the altar from the back of the Basilica, rather than the proceeding down the central aisle.
In his homily, Pope Francis explained why we need the Holy Spirit.
POPE FRANCIS
“If you feel the darkness of solitude, if you feel that an obstacle within you is blocking the way to hope, if your heart has a festering wound, if you cannot see a way out, then open your heart to the Holy Spirit.”
The Pope recalled three important pieces of advice given by the Holy Spirit. The first is to 'live in the present.'
POPE FRANCIS
“There is no better time for us: right here and right now, it's the only chance we have to do good, to make our life a gift. Let us live in the present!”
The second piece of advice is to 'build unity' by prioritizing the needs of all, rather than some.
POPE FRANCIS
“The enemy wants diversity to change into opposition, and so turns them into ideologies. Say no to ideologies, and yes to the whole.”
Lastly, the Spirit encourages us to seek 'God's help' rather than rely our own abilities.
At the end of the Mass, a child interrupted the procession to give a letter to the Pope, which he seemed happy to receive.
JMB
TR: Justin McLellan
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