Pope Francis: Mass with L'Osservatore Romano staff

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis continued his practice of celebrating morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he has been residing since the conclave that led to his election. In the congregation Thursday morning were employees of the Vatican’s newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. The focus of his homily was the need to be attuned to the voice of God and docile to His promptings.

“To obey God,” said Pope Francis, “is to listen to Him, to have an open heart, to go on the road that God shows us.” The Holy Father went on to say, “This is what makes us free.” Pope Francis also spoke of the difficulties that often accompany our efforts to discern the true voice of God speaking to us. He said, “In our lives we hear things that do not come from Jesus,” adding, “our weaknesses at times lead us on [the wrong] road.”

Nevertheless, God does not leave us to our devices. He does not abandon us to our weakness and sinfulness. “It is precisely the Holy Spirit,” he said, “Who gives us the strength to go forward.” It is God who sends us His Spirit, “He sends His spirit without measure, [in order that we might] hear Jesus,” and walk in His way.