Pope Benedict XVI held his weekly General Audience on Wednesday during which he continued
his focus on Christian prayer – especially the teaching and example given us by Jesus
himself.
In the “cry of exultation” recorded for us by the evangelists Matthew
and Luke, Jesus gives thanks to the Father because he has willed to reveal the mystery
of salvation not to the wise and learned, but to the “little ones” (cf. Mt 11:25-30;
Lk 10:21-22). This magnificent prayer has its source in Jesus’ profound communion
with the Father in the Holy Spirit; as the eternal Son, Jesus alone “knows” the Father
and rejoices in complete openness to his will.
“Indeed,” said Pope Benedict,
“no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal
him” (Lk 10:22).
In this prayer, then, the Lord expresses his desire to
share his knowledge of the Father with the “little ones”, the pure of heart and those
open to the divine will. In Saint Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ cry of exultation is followed
by his words: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest … for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (11:28).
Pope Benedict
concluded his English remarks, saying, “Jesus is the source and model of our prayer;
through him, in the Holy Spirit, we can turn with trust to God our Father, confident
that, in doing his will, we shall find true freedom and peace.” Listen