At the end of his General Audience, Pope Francis asked for prayers for peace in three specific places: Ukraine, the Holy Land and Sudan. But he even went a step further.
POPE FRANCIS
Every day, please take some time to pray for peace. We want peace.
The Pope continued his catechesis on the passion to evangelize based on the Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.
He said that he will address four points that summarize its content. And on this occasion, he focused on Christian joy. Pope Francis said that a Christian who is not joyful is not a good example.
POPE FRANCIS
A person once said to me, talking about Christians: They are stoned-faced Christians. I mean, they don't express anything. They are so…and joy is essential.
Pope Francis recalled that the joy of a Christian is born from a personal encounter with Christ. And he reflected on the story of the road to Emmaus where two discouraged disciples recovered their hope after recognizing the risen Jesus.
POPE FRANCIS
An encounter with Jesus always brings you joy. And if that doesn't happen to you, it is not a true encounter with Jesus.
The Pope pointed out that it is important to foster this personal encounter with Jesus and not to be afraid to evangelize despite difficulties.
JRB
TR: KG
