Pope Francis remained seated as the procession made its way down the central aisle, and the Vatican's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, brought up the rear.
In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel story of Jesus sending out 72 disciples to preach the Gospel. He gave them very few but precise instructions, the first of which was to go out with almost nothing.
POPE FRANCIS
We often think that our Church initiatives do not work as they should because we lack facilities, we lack money, we lack means. This is not true. Jesus Himself refutes this.
Pope Francis also highlighted another of the Jesus' instructions to the disciples, that they not be sent out alone, but accompanied by others.
POPE FRANCIS
This is curious, “He sent them out two by two” the Gosepl says. Not alone, not on their own, always with a brother alongside. Never without a brother, because there is no mission without communion.There is no proclamation without caring for others.
The Pope then asked for prayers for peace in Central Africa and so that families affected by violence may be able to overcome feelings of hostility.
POPE FRANCIS
That they may be able to overcome every feeling of animosity, every feeling toward revenge, to overcome the temptation to think that reconciliation is not possible, and every unhealthy attachment to one's own group that leads to contempt for others. Brother, sister, peace begins with us.
In this way, he said that they will be an example to others, to show that peace is possible, and that everyone can play their part in rebuilding a country torn by war.
JRB
TR: JM
