Teachings of Pope Francis - Part IV

Do we really believe in love for God and for others?

Think about making a world of goodness, beauty and truth. You can do this, you have the power to do it. If you do not do it, it is because of laziness.

We should ask the Lord for the wisdom of discernment. Many believe they live in light but they are in darkness and are unaware of it! Where Jesus is there is always humility, meekness, love and the Cross.

Can we learn once again to walk and live in the ways of peace? Violence and war are never the way to peace! Open yourself to dialogue and reconciliation. Rebuild the harmony that has been shattered.

God's world is a world where everyone feels responsible for the other. Is this the world that we desire?

How can we bear witness? How can we forgive? How can we not hate our neighbor? How can we avoid gossiping? Think upon Jesus' suffering.

Let's all think of a person with whom we are annoyed, whom we are angry, someone we do not like. Let us pray for this person and let us become merciful with this person.

Let us pray our leaders will govern us well.

We cannot serve two masters - you cannot serve both God and money. It just doesn't work. May the Lord help us all to not fall into the trap of idolatry of money.

Let us overcome our fear of getting our hands dirty so we can help those in need.

Have complete trust in God and in His mercy. This is the power of prayer! Let us never tire of knocking at God's door. Every day let us carry our cares to God in prayer.

Solidarity is a word that bothers us because it requires us to look at another and give our self to another with love.

We cannot follow Jesus on the path of love unless we first love others, unless we force ourselves to work together, to understand each other and to forgive each other. We must do works of mercy and charity with love.

Sometimes we find arrogance in serving the poor! Some exploit the poor for their own personal interests and their own vanity. It would be better if these people stayed at home!

People can't and mustn't be lacking in hope, hope is part of your being.

Difficulties must not frighten you but on the contrary spur you to go beyond them. Following Jesus is demanding, it means not being satisfied with small goals but aiming on high with courage!

Go out of yourselves. Open your heart to brotherhood, to friendship and to solidarity.

Let's stay united in prayer. Saints are ordinary people who instead of complaining let down their nets for a catch. They look for opportunities.

Let God write our history.