“Seeing” is first stopping to observe the events that make up our lives and constitute our history, our family, cultural, and Christian roots. It begins with a look at the worrying situation in our world. It may seem pessimistic, but it is necessary in order to move forward. In the encounter between the events of the world and of our lives on the one hand, and the Word of God on the other, we can discern the appeal that the Lord is making to us. Our role is to accept and encourage God’s action in our own hearts, adapting to a reality that is constantly evolving, and reaching out to people as they are, helping each other grow in the love of Christ and neighbor.  Audience, Jan. 10, 2022

This is God’s work: to come among us. If we consider ourselves unworthy, that does not stop Him. If we reject Him, He does not tire of seeking us out. If we are not ready and willing to receive Him, He prefers to come anyway. Let us invite Him into our lives, especially in the dark areas… into our ‘inner stables’. And let us also tell Him, without fear, about the social and ecclesial problems of our time, even our personal, difficult problems: God loves to dwell among us!  Angelus Message, Jan. 2, 2022

Christian freedom does not enter into conflict with other cultures or with the traditions we have received, but rather introduces a new freedom, a liberating new message, that of the Gospel.   Christians, freed from the slavery of sin and death by the passion and resurrection of Jesus, are able to welcome every people and culture, and in turn introduce other peoples and cultures to even greater freedom…True Christian freedom enables us to acquire the full dignity of children of God, allowing us to remain anchored in our own cultural heritage while being open to what is good and true in every culture. Excerpts from the General Audience, Oct. 13, 2021

As the Universal Church is about to embark on the journey of a world-wide synod, Pope Francis invoked the Holy Spirit on the People of God so that they will be able to move forward together, to listen to one another and discern our times, in solidarity with the struggles and aspirations of all humanity. “A Synod means walking together and listening to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit.  To deepen this essential characteristic of the Church, the upcoming synod is unlike any previous one. It starts with, and involves all the faithful at local Churches across the world, promising to listen to all, especially to laypeople. That is why this Synod is a 2-year process, starting from October 10, 2021, to October 2023. In the one People of God, therefore, let us journey together, in order to experience a Church that receives and lives this gift of unity, and is open to the voice of the Spirit. This Synod is an “ecclesial moment”, not a parliament or an investigation into opinions, but “an ecclesial moment” whose protagonist is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, there is no Synod.”   Vaticannews.va 10/9/2021

As the Universal Church is about to embark on the journey of a world-wide synod, Pope Francis invoked the Holy Spirit on the People of God so that they will be able to move forward together, to listen to one another and discern our times, in solidarity with the struggles and aspirations of all humanity. “A Synod means walking together and listening to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit.  To deepen this essential characteristic of the Church, the upcoming synod is unlike any previous one. It starts with, and involves all the faithful at local Churches across the world, promising to listen to all, especially to laypeople. That is why this Synod is a 2-year process, starting from October 10, 2021, to October 2023. In the one People of God, therefore, let us journey together, in order to experience a Church that receives and lives this gift of unity, and is open to the voice of the Spirit. This Synod is an “ecclesial moment”, not a parliament or an investigation into opinions, but “an ecclesial moment” whose protagonist is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, there is no Synod.”   Vaticannews.va 10/9/2021

Prayer serves as a flame in the Christian life, which must never fail…like the sacred fire that was kept burning in the ancient temples. So there must be a holy fire in us too, which burns continuously, and which nothing can extinguish. Prayer does not interrupt the duties of daily life, but gives them meaning and peace. General Audience, 6/21/2021

“Let us take an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies. Today we have a great opportunity to express our innate sense of brotherhood, to be Good Samaritans who bear the pain of other people’s troubles rather than fomenting greater hatred and resentment….our solidarity finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms, in our effort to care for others.”

(Fratelli Tutti, 77, 115)