Despite the hot weather in Rome, Pope Francis still traveled around St. Peter's Square to greet and bless pilgrims attending the General Audience. During his journey, he even stopped to drink mate.
This week Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles. He focused on St. Luke's depiction of the Church of Jerusalem and how it is a paradigm of all Christian communities.
POPE FRANCIS
“The warmth of these brothers' and sisters' faith in Christ makes their lives the setting for God's work, which is manifested in wonders and signs through the Apostles. The extraordinary becomes ordinary and daily life becomes the space for the manifestation of the living Christ.”
The pope said the Christian community is one that lives in fraternity and seeks to overcome divisions.
POPE FRANCIS
“Unlike human society, where one tends to fulfill one's self-interests, regardless of whether it is to the detriment of others. The community of believers bans individualism to promote sharing and solidarity.”
Pope Francis in particular greeted and recalled the work the people in Mexico are doing to welcome immigrants.
POPE FRANCIS
“I want to congratulate the Mexicans because they are so welcoming, so welcoming to migrants.”
Remembering the life of the first communities, the pope remembered that the the Christian liturgy and Eucharist are not one of many aspects, but the essence in which God brings life to the world.
He concluded his General Audience by reminding Christians next Friday will be the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He invited them to pray for all priests and for him so there pastoral work may be based in Christ's love for humanity.
