Pope Francis: Tune into God's Word and walk with Our Lord
(Vatican Radio) Tune into God, walk with Our Lord and proclaim the Gospel to the margins
of society. That was Pope Francis’ message on Friday to clergy, religious and members
of the pastoral council of the diocese of Assisi, gathered in the Cathedral of San
Rufino. After stressing the importance of pastoral councils for the running of
a diocese, the Pope shared three reflections for their diocesan synod which is to
take place shortly. Firstly, he said, all members of the Church must listen attentively
to the Word of God – priests, parents, catechists must all be tuned into God so that
they can share their faith more effectively with others. Secondly, he said, the
Church community must walk together with Our Lord in their midst. Priests, he stressed,
must be really present with their people to encourage, support and share the journey
with them. Forgiving and asking for forgiveness, he said, are an essential part of
both family and community life. Finally Pope Francis highlighted the importance
of missionary work, bringing the Gospel to the margins of our societies. Do not be
afraid, he said, to go out to those places and those people who are living in difficult
situations or who are far away from the spiritual life of the Church.
At the
end of the encounter in San Rufino, the Holy Father went to the Basilica of St Clare
where he spent a few moments in silent prayer in front of the glass tomb of the saint
housed in the crypt . He then met with the community of cloistered nuns there, speaking
of the humanity and joy that springs from a life centred on Christ. Teasing the sisters
gathered in front of him, the Pope said it makes him sad to see sisters who are not
joyful, who have forced smiles, or who are too serious in their spiritual life. Yours,
he said, must be the holiness of a mother who gives life to the Church. Though community
life is not always easy, he concluded, you must try to resolve your problems with
love, with friendships and with joy that comes from the heart.