(April 25, 2012) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance
of seeing and hearing him speak in several languages. The general audience of April
25 was held outdoors in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. It began with aides reading
a passage from the Acts of the Apostles in several languages. An aide greeted the
Pope on behalf of the English speaking pilgrims, introducing the various groups to
him. Pope Benedict then delivered a catechesis in English.
Listen: Dear
Brothers and Sisters, In our catechesis on Christian prayer, we now consider
the decision of the early Church to set aside seven men to provide for the practical
demands of charity (cf. Acts 6:1-4). This decision, made after prayer and discernment,
provided for the needs of the poor while freeing the Apostles to devote themselves
primarily to the word of God. It is significant that the Apostles acknowledge the
importance of both prayer and works of charity, yet clearly give priority to prayer
and the proclamation of the Gospel. In every age the saints have stressed the deep
vital unity between contemplation and activity. Prayer, nourished by faith and enlightened
by God’s word, enables us to see things in a new way and to respond to new situations
with the wisdom and insight bestowed by the Holy Spirit. In our own daily lives and
decisions, may we always draw fresh spiritual breath from the two lungs of prayer
and the word of God; in this way, we will respond to every challenge and situation
with wisdom, understanding and fidelity to God’s will. I greet all the English-speaking
pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience, including those from England, Finland,
Sweden, Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and the United States
of America. Upon you and your families I cordially invoke the joy and peace of the
Risen Lord.