(ONLY VIDEO) Pope Francis reflected on the universality and unity of the Church. He said that “while we all long for it, it is difficult to obtain, even in a marriage or a family.”
He pointed out that “a point of examination to see why it is so difficult for us is to see who we put at the center. Let us not forget that the unity of Pentecost, that is, the unity made possible by the Spirit of God, is realized by placing Christ at the center and not ourselves.”
SUMMARY OF POPE FRANCIS' CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
In this catechesis, we reflect on the Holy Spirit and the Church in the Acts of the Apostles. The author of this sacred book, Luke the Evangelist, emphasizes the universal mission of the Church as a sign of a new unity among all peoples. There are, therefore, two movements: universality and unity. On the one hand, the Holy Spirit impels the Church to open the doors and to proclaim the Gospel to all, without distinction. On the other hand, it gathers the community intimately around Christ, the “bond of unity”.
However, we know that achieving and maintaining unity in the Church is not easy, as it is in other areas as well. While we all long for it, it is difficult to obtain, even in a marriage or a family. One point of examination to see why we find it so difficult is to see who we put at the center. Let us not forget that the unity of Pentecost, that is, the unity made possible by the Spirit of God, is achieved by placing Christ at the center and not ourselves.
I cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims. In this month dedicated to the missions, let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us renew our baptismal commitment, and may Christ be the cornerstone of our lives, so that we may offer a joyful witness of the unity and peace that He gives us. May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin watch over you. Thank you very much.
TR: JD