Brothers and sisters, let us not forget to pray for the battered Ukrainian people who are still suffering from war crimes. This is Pope Francis’ call at the end of the Angelus prayer. Like the blind, do we know how to see the good and be grateful for the gifts we receive? Do we bear witness to Jesus or do we spread criticism and doubt? Are we free to confront prejudice or associate ourselves with those who spread negativity and gossip? Are we happy to say that Jesus loves us and saves us or, like My parents are the man born blind, do we allow ourselves to be locked in by fear of what people will think of them? How do we welcome the difficulties and pains of others, as curses or as opportunities to approach them with love?”.
life difficulties – “Let us ask for the grace to be amazed every day by God’s gifts and see the different circumstances of life, even the most difficult to accept, as opportunities to do good, as Jesus did with the blind man. May Our Lady help in this, with Saint Joseph, a just and faithful man.” “When Jesus heals you, he heals us, he restores our dignity. The dignity of Jesus’ healing, the perfect dignity that springs from the depths of the heart, that takes over all of our lives,” said Bergoglio as the angels hold up the cuff, the gospel page in which Jesus restores sight to a man blind from birth. “And on the Sabbath, he was set free with his sight in front of him without asking him for anything, not even thanks, and he bears witness to it. And this—and he added—is the dignity of a noble person, of one who knows to be healed and reborn to life.” Like the blind, do we know how to see the good and be grateful for the gifts we receive? I wonder how is my dignity, how is your dignity? How do we welcome people who have so many limitations in life, whether they are physical, like the blind or social like the beggars we find on the street? Do we welcome them as curses or as an opportunity to draw closer to them with love? Brothers and sisters, let us ask today for the grace to amaze each day with God’s gifts and to see the different circumstances of life, even the most difficult to accept, as opportunities to do good, as Jesus did with the blind.
Ecuador – “Dear brothers and sisters, yesterday an earthquake occurred in Ecuador causing deaths, injuries and great damage. I am close to the Ecuadorian people and assure you of my prayers for the deceased and for all the suffering.”
father’s day – “Today we wish all fathers to find in St. Joseph the model, support, and comfort to live parenthood well,” Pope Francis said at the end of the Angelus, then called him “Our Father.”
Rome Marathon – “I welcome the participants of the Rome Marathon, and I congratulate you because, with the support of the Vatican Athletica, you are making this sporting event an occasion of solidarity with the poor,” the Pope concludes.