On the first Sunday of 2022, Pope Francis greeted pilgrims in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus.
The Pope returned to the image of Christmas to urge them not be afraid of inviting Jesus into their lives.
POPE FRANCIS
'If your heart seems too contaminated by evil, if it seems disordered, please, do not close yourself up, do not be afraid: he will come. Think of the stable in Bethlehem. Jesus was born there, in that poverty, to tell us that he is certainly not afraid of visiting your heart, of dwelling in a shabby life.'
He also suggested to speak candidly with God about the problems facing society, the Church, and each person.
POPE FRANCIS
'And let us also tell him, without fear, about the social problems, and the ecclesial problems of our time, even personal problems, even the worst, because God loves to dwell: in our stable.'
The Pope then offered those present a simple prayer for staying close to God while confronting personal hardship.
POPE FRANCIS
'Let us be brave, let's say: “But, Lord, I am in this situation but I don't want to change. But you, please, don’t go too far away.” That's a good prayer. Let’s be sincere today.'
Pope Francis greeted the many pilgrims present from around the world and encouraged those in St. Peter's Square to spend some time before the Nativity scene to contemplate the image of the infant Jesus.
JM
