During his weekly catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on the virtue of patience, saying it is “better than the strength of a hero.”
The Pope added this virtue “is one of the characteristics of love, as St. Paul affirms in the Hymn to Charity.” He emphasized that “in today's world, where immediacy is prioritized and haste prevails, being patient is the best witness that we Christians can give.”
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on the virtues, we now turn to patience, which has its supreme model in the example of Jesus during his Passion. The patience of Jesus did not consist in a stoic endurance of suffering, but was the fruit of his love. Saint Paul also associates patience with the love of God, who is “slow to anger” and quick to repay evil with good. Indeed, Christian patience and forbearance is the most convincing witness to Christ’s love. This Holy Week, let us ask the grace of the Holy Spirit to imitate Christ in his patience and compassionate love, which forgives all wrongs and shows mercy even to his enemies.
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors participating in today’s Audience, especially the groups from the Philippines, Pakistan, Canada and the United States of America. As we prepare for the Sacred Triduum, I invoke upon all of you the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
JRB
TR: KG
