The Pope held his final General Audience of the year in a packed Paul VI hall at the Vatican.
During his catechesis, Pope Francis recalled St. Joseph's courage when he had to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus.
POPE FRANCIS
'Let us think about all the people who today feel this inspiration inside: let us flee, let us flee, because there is danger here.'
The Pope highlighted the contrast between St. Joseph and King Herod, a cruel man who wanted to protect his power at all costs.
POPE FRANCIS
'We must not think that we imitate Herod only if we become tyrants. No. In reality, it's an attitude to which we can all succumb, every time we try to dispel our fears with arrogance, even if only verbal or made up of small abuses intended to mortify those close to us.'
Pope Francis explained that life presents problems and challenges, but that they shouldn't be overcome with violence nor by bringing out the worst in us.
POPE FRANCIS
'It is a common error to think of courage as an exclusive virtue of the hero. In reality, the daily life of every person requires courage. Our life—yours, mine—cannot be lived without courage. Courage to face the difficulties of daily life.'
Pope Francis also invited those present to contemplate Jesus fleeing in his mother's arms, and to recognize in his face the face of today's migrants, who flee from war, danger and poverty.
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