During his homily at Casa Santa Marta, the pope said that true comfort should not be confused with mere amusement, because it is something much deeper and can only be given by God.
POPE FRANCIS
“The Lord’s consolation moves you and makes you increase in charity, faith, and hope, also makes you weep for your sins. This is true consolation. It's not only fun, - fun is not bad when it's good. We're human, we have to have it-- but consolation takes you to feel and recognize the very presence of God: this is the Lord.'
The pope said to receive such comfort one requires a spiritual tension that helps one know how to take advantage of the gifts that God gives.
EXCERPTS OF POPE'S HOMILY
“When the Lord visits us He gives us joy, that is, He places us in a state of consolation… You have seeded in tears, but now the Lord consoles us and gives us spiritual consolation. Consolation happens not only in a certain moment in time but is a state in the spiritual life of every Christian. The entire Bible teaches us this.”
“The Lord’s consolation moves you and makes you increase in charity, faith, and hope, also makes you weep for your sins. When we observe Jesus and His Passion, we weep with Jesus… You elevate your soul to the things of Heaven and of God, and your soul is quieted in the peace of God. This is true consolation.”
“Conserve these traces of consolation in your memory, just as God’s people remembered its liberation… Wait for consolation, recognize it, and conserve it. And, what remains from this passing moment? Peace, for peace is the highest level of consolation.”
