POPES WEEKLY GENERAL AUDIENCE - VATICAN CITY: 14TH MAY. God makes no one struggle with lifes challenges alone, pope says God is always by our side, never giving us more than we can handle, Pope Francis said. The countless women and men who stand tall through enormous difficulties, pain and especially persecution, are armed with the divine gift of fortitude that gives them the strength and hope to go on. It will do us good to think about these people: If they can do it, why cant I? Lets ask the Lord for the gift of fortitude, he said during his weekly general audience in St. Peters Square. Highlighting some of the tragedies facing people today, the Pope made a special appeal at the end of his audience talk. He urged everyone to work together to prevent the shameful massacres of hundreds of immigrants who drown in the Mediterranean while attempting to reach Europe from North Africa. The Popes appeal came after two boats sank attempting to make the crossing in early May; 53 bodies were recovered and about 250 people rescued, but hundreds more were thought to be missing as of May 14. Pope Francis also said his prayers were with those killed after a mine explosion in Soma, Turkey. Government authorities said the explosion May 13 left 205 people dead and dozens more trapped May 14 in underground tunnels. In his main audience talk, the Pope continued a series on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. Looking at the gift of fortitude, Pope Francis said, sometimes we can be tempted to let ourselves be taken over by laziness or worse, discouragement, especially when facing the strain and trials of life. God, like a sower of seeds, is always spreading his word in the world, the Pope said, showing the way towards peace and salvation. However, the Gospel message doesnt always bear fruit, he said. But when it does, its because the Holy Spirit has prepared the soil and cleared the way in our hearts, freeing us from the lethargy, the uncertainty and the many fears that prevent his word from taking root. It is easy for lifes many difficulties and hardships to block the way – like the everyday struggles of supporting ones family and trying to raise children, but also the more severe tragedies of persecution and martyrdom. However, the Pope said, there is no lack of Christians in many parts of the world who continue to celebrate and give witness to their faith, with deep conviction and serenity, and they hold strong even when they know that it may carry with it a high price. Everyone knows someone who is a hidden saint, he said, a person who brings honour to all Catholics, who honours our Church because they are strong, strong in carrying on in life, in their families, their work, their faith. They do it because the Spirit is helping them, he said. They have the gift of fortitude to carry out their responsibilities as individuals, as fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, citizens. We have many, many of these every-day saints, saints hidden among us. People should always remember what St. Paul the Apostle said: I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me, the Pope said. It shows that the Lord gives strength, always. Hes never missing. The Lord doesnt try us beyond what we can bear. He is always with us. Pray to the Holy Spirit so that the gift of fortitude may lift up our hearts and bring new strength and enthusiasm to our life and our journey following Jesus, the Pope urged people at his audience. - - - The text of the popes audience remarks in English is available online at vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/audiences/2014/documents/papa-francesco_20140514_udienza-generale_en.html
Posted on: Thu, 15 May 2014 23:22:16 +0000
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