Pope says the patience of the people of God makes the Church go ahead
February 17, 2014 - The patience of the people of God who bear the daily trials of
life with faith is what makes the Church go ahead, said Pope Francis on Monday. Celebrating
his morning Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican the
Pope reflected on St. James who in his letter says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers
and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds." The Pope said this is not
an invitation to asceticism. Patience is not the same as surrendering. Rather, patience
leads us to maturity by helping us endure life’s trials. The Pope compared impatient
people to capricious children who want everything, all at once and in a hurry. For
them it is either this or nothing - nothing suits them.
Another mark of impatience
is the omnipotence "of wanting just one thing,” as is the case with the Pharisees
who want a miracle from Jesus as a sign from heaven. The Pope said God, who does
not act like a sorcerer, moves in His own way and is patient Himself. Every time
we go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is a hymn of praise to God's patience!
Pope Francis commended the patience of families who care for their sick and suffering
without asking for signs like the Pharisees. Instead, they read the signs of the
times and recognize Jesus. The Pope said those who suffer do not lose the smile and
joy of faith, and they are the ones who make the Church go ahead with their holiness
every day.