During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis reflected on the words of Jesus that drove away many of his followers: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.”
He says that it was difficult for many of the disciples to accept Jesus' Incarnation, something which Christians struggle with today.
POPE FRANCIS
'Jesus’ words caused great scandal. He was saying that God decided to manifest Himself and accomplish salvation in the weakness of human flesh. It is the mystery of incarnation. The incarnation of God is what provoked scandal and presented them, but often us too, with an obstacle.'
The Pope says the Incarnation is a reminder that we do not come to know Christ through abstractions, but through our relationships with others.
POPE FRANCIS
'This means that we must not pursue God in dreams or in images of grandeur and power, but that He must be recognized in the humanity of Jesus and, as a result, in the brothers and sisters we meet along the path of life. God made Himself flesh.'
After praying the Angelus, Pope Francis greeted various groups gathered in St. Peter's Square from different countries. He also gave a special shout-out to the priests and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College.
POPE FRANCIS
'In particular, I greet the priests and seminarians of the Pontifical North American College. There they are.'
Nearly two months after undergoing colon surgery his voice ws noticeably stronger. As usual, the Pope asked those in attendance to pray for him.
JM
