Teachings of Pope Francis

 

“Pope Francis simplicity, gentle spirit, openness, and humility are an inspiration not only to Catholics, but to people everywhere.  He invites us to live lives of truth and simplicity, to seek goodness and beauty, and to act with justice and mercy.  He challenges us to care for those who experience poverty, disaster, violence and, suffering, and to reach out with compassion to those who are most vulnerable.

He reminds us that every person is worthy of our giving, every person reflects something of God’s glory; every person is immensely holy and deserves our love.  Pope Francis is a gift to all people of faith.”  Susan Stark and Daniel J. Pierson – Reflections from Pope Francis

Think about God’s patience, the patience He has with each one of us?

We are people who, on the one hand want to listen to Jesus, but on the other hand, at times, like to find a stick to beat people with and condemn them.  Be a person of mercy!

It is not easy to entrust oneself to God’s mercy, but we must.  God says to us, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11).  The Lord never tires of forgiving us!  It is we who tire of asking Him for forgiveness.

Bring hope to others!

Being a protector means protecting all creation.  It means respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live.  It means protecting people and showing loving concern for each and every person.  It means caring for one another.  It means building sincere friendships.  We must be protectors of God’s gifts!

We are all responsible for our world.  We need to do all we can to promote justice, reconciliation and build peace.  A one-dimensional vision of man reduces human beings to what they produce and to what they consume.

Follow Jesus!  He accompanies us and carries us.  Do not let yourself be robbed of hope!  Jesus gives hope.

Are you really willing to serve and help others?

Do we think that we will not be able to cope?  Let us not lose confidence, let us never give up: there are no situations which God cannot change, there is no sin which God cannot forgive if only we open ourselves to Him.

Remember what God has done and continues to do for us.  Remembering the road we have travelled is what opens our hearts to hope for the future. 

God’s love for us is so great, it is an unfailing love, one which always takes us by the hand and supports us, lifts us up and leads us on.

God is patient with us because He loves us and those who love are able to forgive and do not give up.  God always waits for us even when we have left Him behind!

             Please take time to think about these things this week.