“#FreedomofthePress is an important indicator of a country’s state of health. In fact, dictatorships are quick to restrict it or suppress it. We need journalists who are free, who help us not to forget many situations of suffering.#WPFD2023” @Pontifex, 3 May 2023
“The Risen Christ is our future. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the starting point and the ultimate goal of the history of humanity. As much as it is marked by fragility, our life has been solidly placed in His hands. #GeneralAudience” @Pontifex, 3 May 2023
“If in our hearts we are carring some burden or suffering that seems to crush us, it is the moment to go out to meet Jesus, who is close, to open the tomb of our problems and look beyond the threshold toward his light. #Prayer” @Pontifex, 4 May 2023
“If you don’t have much time to pray, there is a wise spiritual practice that can help you. Often throughout the day, you can repeat very short prayers, so-called aspirations, to remain “in harmony” with the Lord.” @Pontifex, 5 May 2023
“Praying the #HolyRosary daily in the family guarantees that in that family the oil of faith and joy never runs out, but flows out of the life of its members who are in communion with God.” @Pontifex, 6 May 2023
“Let us not be overwhelmed by the present: let us look up to Heaven, let us remember the goal, to think that we are called to eternity, to the encounter with God. Let us renew today the choice to love Jesus, and to follow him. #GospelOfToday (Jn14:1–12)” @Pontifex, 7 May 2023
“In this month of May, let us pray the Rosary, asking the Blessed Virgin for the gift of peace, especially for beleaguered Ukraine. May the leaders of nations listen to the desire of the suffering people who want peace!” @Pontifex, 8 May 2023
“Life is not about showing off our abilities, but a journey towards the One who loves us: by keeping our gaze fixed on the Lord, we will find the strength needed to persevere with renewed joy.” @Pontifex, 9 May 2023
“Faith was passed down from generation to generation through life, through witnesses who brought the flame of the Gospel, the joy of the saving love of Jesus, and the hope of his promise. Faith grows through witness.” @Pontifex, 27 April 2023
“We are called to be open to the times in which we live, with their changes and challenges. We are called to sow the seeds of the Gospel, to prune the dead branches of evil and to bear fruit. #ApostolicJourney” @Pontifex, 28 April 2023
“St. Stephen of #Hungary was an intrepid evangelizer who listened and dialogued with everyone, and cared for the poor. This is the Church we dream of: a Church able to listen, dialogue and care for the most vulnerable; a welcoming Church that courageously brings the Gospel to all.” @Pontifex, 28 April 2023
“Those who profess to be Christian are called to bear witness and walk with everyone to cultivate a humanism inspired by the Gospel which moves along two fundamental tracks: acknowledging that we are beloved children of the Father, and loving one another as brothers and sisters.” @Pontifex, 28 April 2023
“#Peace will never come by pursuing individual strategic interests, but only from policies capable of looking to the bigger picture and the development of all: policies attentive to individuals, the poor and the future, and not merely to power, profit and the present.” @Pontifex, 28 April 2023
“Those who “bind themselves to God”, as did Sts Francis of Assisi and Elizabeth of #Hungary did, become charitable to the poor. For “he who does not love his brother whom sees, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 Jn 4:20). #ApostolicJourney Speech” @Pontifex, 29 April 2023
“I encourage you to speak the language of #charity always. Whenever you strive to bring bread to the hungry, the Lord makes joy blossom and your lives are fragrant with the love you give. #ApostolicJourney #Hungary” @Pontifex, 29 April 2023
“When you pray, don’t be afraid to bring everything going on inside you to Jesus: emotions, fears, problems, expectations, memories, hopes. Prayer is dialogue. Prayer is life. #ApostolicJourney #Hungary” @Pontifex, 29 April 2023
“Each of us is precious to Jesus. Remember that no one can take your place in the history of the Church and the world. No one else can do what only you can do. So let’s help each other to believe that we are loved and precious, that we are made for great things! #ApostolicJourney” @Pontifex, 29 April 2023
“I thank the beloved Hungarian people for their welcome and the affection I have experienced in these days. I entrust all Hungarians to Our Lady. Grateful for these days, I keep you in my heart and ask you to pray for me. Isten áld meg a magyart!” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“Self-knowledge means to be able to recognize our limitations and to curb the presumption of self-sufficiency. This proves beneficial because,once we realize that we are creatures, we become creative. We learn to immerse ourselves in the world instead of attempting to dominate it.” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“In our words, deeds and daily activities, let’s try to be like Jesus: an open door that never shuts in anyone’s face, a door that allows everyone to enter and experience the beauty of the Lord’s love and forgiveness. #ApostolicJourney” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“Queen of Peace, instil in the hearts of peoples and their leaders the desire to build peace and to give the younger generations a future of hope, not war, a future full of cradles not tombs, a world of brothers and sisters, not walls and barricades. https://t.co/wpzoNWCCLg Image” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“How sad and painful it is to see closed doors: the closed doors of our selfishness, of our indifference towards those who are suffering, towards those who are foreigners, different, the migrant, the poor. Let’s open those doors, please! PyPj Homily” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“The gift of vocation is like a divine seed that springs up in the soil of our lives, opens our hearts to God and to others, so that we can share the treasure we have found. God calls us in love and we, in gratitude, respond to Him in love. #Vocations xMakr Message” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“Jesus the Good Shepherd calls us by name and takes care of us with infinite tenderness. He is the door, and the one who enters through Him has eternal life. He is our future, a future of “life in abundance” (Jn 10:10). Therefore, let us never get discouraged. #ApostolicJourney” @Pontifex, 30 April 2023
“Saint Joseph teaches us that, in the midst of life’s tempests, we must never be afraid to let the Lord steer our course.” @Pontifex, 1 May 2023
“Let us #PrayTogether that ecclesial movements and groups may daily rediscover their mission, an evangelizing mission, and that they place their own charisms at the service of the world’s needs.
#PrayerIntention #ClickToPray Video” @Pontifex, 2 May 2023
“Let us #PrayTogether that we may never tire of bearing witness to the Gospel, even in times of tribulation. May all the martyr saints be seeds of peace among peoples for a more humane and fraternal world, as we await the full manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven.” @Pontifex, 19 April 2023
“Let us persevere in our closeness in prayer for dear and distressed #Ukraine, which continues to endure terrible suffering. Let us #PrayTogether.” @Pontifex, 19 April 2023
“God’s gaze never stops with our past filled of errors, but looks with infinite confidence at what we can become.” @Pontifex, 20 April 2023
“Praising God is like breathing pure oxygen: it purifies the soul, it makes you look far ahead, it does not leave you imprisoned in the difficult and dark moment of hardship.” @Pontifex, 21 April 2023
“The Book of Genesis tells us that the Lord entrusted human beings with the responsibility of being stewards of creation (Gen 2:15). Care for the Earth, then, is a moral obligation for all men and women as children of God. #EarthDay @EarthDay” @Pontifex, 22 April 2023
“The #GospelOfToday (Lk 24: 13–35) invites us to tell Jesus everything, sincerely, without fear of saying the wrong thing. The Lord is happy whenever we open ourselves to Him; only in this way can He take us by the hand, accompany us and make our hearts burn again.” @Pontifex, 23 April 2023
“Next Friday I will go to Budapest, in Hungary. It will be a journey to the centre of Europe, over which the icy winds of war continue to blow, while the displacement of so many people puts urgent humanitarian questions on the agenda.” @Pontifex, 23 April 2023
“Dear Hungarian brothers and sisters, I know you are making great efforts to prepare for my arrival: I thank you from my heart. And I ask you all to accompany me with your prayers.” @Pontifex, 23 April 2023
“Using weapons to resolve conflicts is a sign of weakness and fragility. Negotiation, proceeding in mediation, and conciliation require courage. #Peace” @Pontifex, 24 April 2023
“We discover we are children of God at the moment we discover we are brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. This is why it is essential to be part of a journeying community. No one goes to the Lord alone.” @Pontifex, 25 April 2023
“This year, for the World Day of Prayer for #Vocations, I would ask you, in your reflection and prayer, to take as your guide the theme “Vocation: Grace and Mission”. xLCuT Message” @Pontifex, 26 April 2023
“Monks and nuns are the beating heart of the proclamation of the Gospel: their prayer is oxygen for all the members of the Body of Christ, the invisible force that sustains the mission. #GeneralAudience” @Pontifex, 26 April 2023
“Brothers and sisters, filled with the joy of the Risen Christ, let us ask the grace of being a Church ”moving out“, the community of missionary disciples taking initiative and committed to proclaim the Gospel of peace and mercy. #GeneralAudience #Easter” @Pontifex, 12 April 2023
“60 years ago, St. John XXIII addressed the Encyclical ”Pacem in terris“ to the Church and to the world. I invite everyone to read it, because it is more timely than ever. And I pray that the heads of nations might allow it to inspire projects and decisions yIneqi Vatican” @Pontifex, 12 April 2023
“Our wounds can be passages, openings that, in imitating the wounds of the Lord, allow God’s mercy to enter. His grace changes our lives and makes us artisans of #peace and reconciliation.” @Pontifex, 13 April 2023
“Let us welcome the grace of Christ’s Resurrection! Let us be renewed by God’s mercy. Let us allow the power of His love to transform our lives too. And let us become agents of this mercy so justice and peace can flourish in the world.” @Pontifex, 14 April 2023
“Today, with the world torn always more by war, distancing itself from God, we have all the more need of the Father’s mercy. Let us #PrayTogether #DivineMercy” @Pontifex, 15 April 2023
“On this Divine Mercy Sunday, certain of interpreting the feelings of the faithful throughout the world, I direct a grateful thought to the memory of Saint John Paul II, the object of offensive and unfounded inferences these past few days.” @Pontifex, 16 April 2023
“Let us #PrayTogether for the victims of war, which continue to sow death in horrific ways, asking God that the world might never more have to experience the shock of violent death by the human hand, but the awe of the life that He gives and renews with His grace!” @Pontifex, 16 April 2023
“I express my closeness to all our brothers and sisters who are celebrating Easter today. Dear brothers and sisters, may the Risen Lord be with you and fill you with His Holy Spirit! Happy Easter to all of you!” @Pontifex, 16 April 2023
“The wounds of the risen Jesus are the signs of the Love that overcomes hatred, of the Pardon that disarms revenge, of the Life that conquers death. #GospelOfTheDay (Jn 20:19–3) #DivineMercy” @Pontifex, 16 April 2023
“If you have dreams of true glory, not the glory of this passing world, but of the glory of God, this is the path to follow: the works of #mercy give glory to God more than any other thing.” @Pontifex, 17 April 2023
“Our hope is called Jesus. He is alive and evil has no more power over Him. Failure cannot prevent us from beginning again, and death becomes the passage to the beginning of a new life. #Easter” @Pontifex, 18 April 2023
“During these holy days, let’s draw near the Crucified One. Let’s place ourselves before him, stripped, to take an honest look at ourselves, removing whatever is superfluous. Let’s look at him, wounded, and place our wounds in his. Let’s let Jesus regenerate hope in us. #HolyWeek” @Pontifex, 5 April 2023
“Without the Lord’s Spirit, there can be no Christian life. Without his anointing, there can be no holiness. It is fitting that today, on the birthday of the priesthood, we acknowledge that He is at the origin of the ministry, the life and vitality of every Pastor. #HolyThursday” @Pontifex, 6 April 2023
“On the cross, Jesus refused to yield to despair, but he prayed and entrusted Himself to the Father. In His abandonment, he continued to love and forgive His crucifiers. Jesus, in His abandonment, asks us to see and have a heart for the many ”abandoned Christs“.” @Pontifex, 7 April 2023
“Today the power of Easter calls you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust. The Lord is an expert in rolling back the stones of sin and fear. He wants to illuminate your sacred memory, your most beautiful memory, to make you relive your first encounter with him.” @Pontifex, 8 April 2023
“Let us revive the beauty of that moment when we realized that he is alive and we made him the Lord of our lives. Let us return to Galilee. Let each of us return to his or her own Galilee, to the place where we first encountered him. Let us rise to new life!” @Pontifex, 8 April 2023
“Let us make haste to surmount our conflicts and divisions, and to open our hearts to those in greatest need. Let us hasten to pursue paths of peace and fraternity.” @Pontifex, 9 April 2023
“To rise again, to start anew, to take up the journey, we always need to return to Galilee, that is, to go back to the living, concrete and palpable memory of our first encounter with him.” @Pontifex, 9 April 2023
“Jesus, the Living One, is with us, forever. Let the Church and the world rejoice, for today our hopes no longer come up against the wall of death, for the Lord has built us a bridge to life.” @Pontifex, 9 April 2023
“May we allow ourselves to experience amazement at the joyful proclamation of Easter, at the light that illumines the darkness and the gloom in which, all too often, our world finds itself enveloped.” @Pontifex, 9 April 2023
“The #GospelOfToday lets us relive the women’s encounter with the Risen Jesus on Easter morning. Jesus meets them while they are going to announce him. This is beautiful: when we proclaim the Lord, the Lord comes to us. #Easter” @Pontifex, 10 April 2023
“When hope is spent and we feel loneliness in our hearts, inner weariness, the torment of sin, the fear of failure, let us return to Jesus. For He is the only one who always defeats death and always renews our life. #Easter” @Pontifex, 11 April 2023
It’s time for another set of weird questions posed by Cy Kellet of Catholic Answers to Jimmy Akin, including this time: whether time travel interferes with God’s plans; could an alien 2,000 light years away see Jesus on Earth; the origin of coal and the Great Flood; ghost hunting TV shows; and whether vampires could commit suicide to protect others.
Help us continue to offer Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?
Questions covered:
02:31 – If a human is a rational animal (that’s to say that it has the natural tendency to grow, eat, feel, see, will, and reason) then would the consecrated Eucharist have these innate tendencies as well? Are there any conditions under which the Eucharist can do even one of those things mentioned, let alone all of them?
05:24 – By time traveling are you interfering with God’s plan? Even if we think we are stopping an evil act, God has his reasons.
07:26 – If you were to save someone in the past would that person in the new timeline have a different soul? They lived a longer lifetime and committed other acts either righteous or sinful. To me that would logically mean it’s not the same soul since we are judged by our one life. One version of the person could have gone to hell and other to heaven.
10:00 – Given the speed of light, is it possible that a person, right now, on a planet 2000 light years away and with a telescope so powerful that he could see onto the surface of the earth in great detail, could watch Jesus walking and teaching.
12:49 – Will every curiosity or question that I have in this life have an answer in heaven, or will the experience of sanctification or purgatory simply remove that curious or questioning spirit from me?
14:48 – What is your take on the floating log mat model for the origin of coal beds and biogeography? As both a coal miner and a Catholic, I am interested in the theory that the great flood caused a mass (or masses) of fallen logs to float about the world, but I have a hard time making the leap that this proves a young earth and our previous theories for the formation of coal seams taken millions of years are no longer valid. On a related note, is the story of the great flood required to be taken literally, or could it have been a regional flood that wiped out the human population but maybe did not cover the entire earth?
18:40 – I became Catholic, I enjoyed those shows on Travel Channel like Ghost Adventures, where these paranormal investigators would lock themselves in a “haunted” place and try to capture evidence of the paranormal through EVP [that is, Electronic Voice Phenomena] sessions and whatnot. I don’t necessarily believe it was all real (or all fake for that matter either) and I’m a fairly educated individual and understand the behavioral psychology of “hearing voices” through EVP and, as such, am highly skeptical. HOWEVER, these shows are very entertaining, and I have to admit, I enjoy them, for entertainment. As a Catholic, is it a sin to watch these shows for entertainment? I would never even think of doing it myself or even put any stock in what they do. I know we are forbidden from attempting to contact the dead, but is watching these shows for entertainment, per se, sinful? I can’t find anything definitive about it.
32:40 – Let’s say, in an alternate timeline, the Left Behind fictional series, centered around the end of the world and the 2nd coming of Christ, was authored by faithful Catholics. In order to keep the series in line with Church teaching, what events would need to be included, what events would need to be omitted, and what events may or may not be included as they are subject to theological speculation?
37:03 – Suppose someone became an undead vampire. Yet, they still have a moral conscience and know right from wrong. The Church also teaches that suicide is a mortal sin. Would it be a sin for such a person to commit suicide in order to protect others from becoming a vampire?
45:48 – How would you reconcile Earth’s liturgical calendar with planets that have longer or shorter solar years? Can you have Easter twice in one year? Could you have a year without Christmas?
You can also leave a voice message on the Mysterious Feedback Line at (619) 738-4515
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“Let us #PrayTogether for a more widespread culture of non-violence, that will progress when countries and citizens alike resort less and less to the use of arms. #PrayerIntention #ClickToPray Video” @Pontifex, 30 March 2023
“I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer.” @Pontifex, 30 March 2023
“When experienced with faith, the trials and difficulties of life serve to purify our hearts, making them humbler and thus more and more open to God. #Lent” @Pontifex, 31 March 2023
“Living #HolyWeek means entering ever more deeply into God’s logic, into the logic of the Cross, which is not primarily that of suffering and death, but rather that of love and of the gift of self that brings life.” @Pontifex, 1 April 2023
“I thank everyone for their closeness and prayer. I entrust the sick to Mary, especially the youngest, like those I met in the oncology ward at Gemelli. Let us pray for those who suffer the loss of dear ones and for those who work in hospitals. It takes courage. I admire them. https://t.co/WBUBDEmzdW Image” @Pontifex, 1 April 2023
“On the cross, Christ put Himself in solidarity with us so that each of us can say: In my failures, in my desolation, when I feel betrayed and abandoned, You are there, Jesus. When I feel I can’t take it anymore, you are with me. In all my unanswered “why’s”, you are with me.” @Pontifex, 2 April 2023
““My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46). These are the words that bring us to the very heart of Christ’s passion, the culmination of the sufferings He bore to save us. #PalmSunday” @Pontifex, 2 April 2023
“Abandoned, Christ stirs us to seek and love Him in the abandoned. For they are not only people in need, but He is there – Jesus abandoned – the One who saved us by descending to the depths of our human condition. #PalmSunday” @Pontifex, 2 April 2023
“God chose to enter into our human history the most difficult way possible: the cross. This way, no one could ever be so desperate and not to be able to find Him, even in the midst of anguish and abandonment. God arrived in the very place we didn’t think He could be.” @Pontifex, 3 April 2023
“During these days of Holy Week, let us #PrayTogether more intensely for the war-torn people of Ukrainia, and for all peoples experiencing war, that with God’s help, paths of peace might be opened.” @Pontifex, 3 April 2023
“From the Cross forgiveness poured forth and fraternal love was reborn: the Cross makes us brothers and sisters. #HolyWeek” @Pontifex, 4 April 2023
“In #Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn.” @Pontifex, 23 March 2023
“The martyrs are the most precious gift God could have given to His Church, for in them that “greater love” that Jesus showed us on the cross becomes a reality.” @Pontifex, 24 March 2023
“Today I am thinking of 25 March last year, when, in union with all the bishops, the Church and humanity, in particular Russia and Ukraine, were consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Let us not tire of entrusting the cause of peace to the Queen of Peace!” @Pontifex, 25 March 2023
“God came to live among us thanks to Mary’s ‘yes’ at the moment of the #Annunciation. It’s the most important ‘yes’ in history, a humble ‘yes’ that undoes the prideful ‘no’ of Genesis, a faithful ‘yes’ that heals disobedience, a willing ‘yes’ that overturns the egoism of sin.” @Pontifex, 25 March 2023
“There are moments when life seems to be a sealed tomb: all is dark, and around us we see only sorrow and despair. In #TodaysGospel (Jn 11:1–45) Jesus tells us that in these moments we are not alone. Precisely in these moments He comes closer than ever to restore life to us.” @Pontifex, 26 March 2023
“#TodaysGospel (Jn 11:1–45 is a hymn to life. Jesus teaches us not to let ourselves be imprisoned by pain, not to let hope die. He wants us free and living, he does not abandon us, he is always with us. He tells us, like Lazarus: come back to life!” @Pontifex, 26 March 2023
“Let us continue to pray for the tormented Ukrainian people. And let us stay close also to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria. Let us also pray for the population of the state of Mississippi, struck by a devastating tornado. Let’s #PrayTogether” @Pontifex, 26 March 2023
“We need to be cleansed of all the dust that has sullied our hearts. How? Prayer, fasting, works of mercy: this is the journey of #Lent.” @Pontifex, 27 March 2023
“During this Season of #Lent, it’s good not to turn off the light in our rooms without placing ourselves before God’s light. Let’s give the Lord the chance to reawaken our hearts by opening the Gospel and letting ourselves be amazed by the #WordofGod that illuminates our steps.” @Pontifex, 28 March 2023
“We must never forget the moment and the way in which God enters into our lives, treasuring in our hearts and minds that encounter with Grace that enkindles faith in our hearts and sparks zeal for the Gospel within us.” @Pontifex, 29 March 2023
“Is your faith tired? Do you want to reinvigorate it? Look for God’s gaze: sit in adoration, allow yourself to be forgiven in Confession, stand before the Crucified One. In short, let him love you. #Lent” @Pontifex, 16 March 2023
“In Confession, let’s give God first place. Once he is in charge, everything becomes beautiful and confession becomes the Sacrament of joy, not of fear and judgement, but of joy. #24hourswiththeLord” @Pontifex, 17 March 2023
“We are sinners and in need of mercy like the air we breathe. Willingness to convert – to allow ourselves to be purified, to change our lives – is a sign of courage, of strength. #Lent” @Pontifex, 18 March 2023
“Only those who are poor in spirit, in need of salvation, who beg for grace, present themselves before God without vaunting their merits, without pretense or presumption. Having nothing, they therefore find everything, because they find the Lord. #24HourswiththeLord” @Pontifex, 18 March 2023
“The Sacrament of Reconciliation is, and must be, a festive encounter that heals the heart and leaves us with inner peace. It is not a human tribunal to be afraid of, but a divine embrace by which we are consoled. #24HourswiththeLord” @Pontifex, 18 March 2023
“There is no acceptance without integration. People need to be accompanied from the beginning until they are truly integrated into our society. As Scripture bids us: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you” (Lev 19:34). m Speech” @Pontifex, 18 March 2023
“Yesterday in #Ecuador, an earthquake caused deaths, injuries and considerable damage. I am near to the Ecuadorian people and I assure you of my prayer for the deceased and for all who are suffering.” @Pontifex, 19 March 2023
“Today, we extend best wishes to all fathers! May they find in Saint Joseph a model, support and consolation to live their fatherhood well. Let us #PrayTogether for Fathers.” @Pontifex, 19 March 2023
“Let us ask the grace to be surprised every day by God’s gifts and to see the various circumstances of life, even the ones that are the most difficult to accept, as occasions to do good, as Jesus did with the blind man. #GospelOfTheDay (Jn 9:1–41)” @Pontifex, 19 March 2023
“Everyone can discover in #SaintJoseph a man who goes unnoticed, a man whose daily presence is discreet and hidden, an intercessor, a support, and a guide in difficult moments.” @Pontifex, 20 March 2023
“Every human person is sacred and inviolable. To ensure that a society has a future, it is necessary that a sense of respect be matured for the dignity of every person, no matter in what condition they find themselves.” @Pontifex, 21 March 2023
“The international community must work together to guarantee access and sanitation services for everyone, so that the right to water, which is none other than the right to life, to a future, to hope, might become a reality at the universal level.#WorldWaterDay” @Pontifex, 22 March 2023
“Chosen and loved by God, we are called to live ”as is fitting among the saints“ (Eph 5:3), to clothe ourselves with sentiments of goodness, humility, magnanimity, bearing the fruits of the Spirit. #GeneralAudience” @Pontifex, 22 March 2023
“Almsgiving, practised far from the spotlight, gives peace and hope to the heart. It reveals to us the beauty of giving, which then becomes receiving, and thus enables us to discover a precious secret: our hearts find more joy in giving than in receiving (Acts 20:35). #Lent” @Pontifex, 9 March 2023
“Fasting helps us to keep our spirit in shape. It makes us appreciate things for their true worth; it reminds us that life must not be made dependent upon the fleeting landscape of the present world. #Lent” @Pontifex, 10 March 2023
“In this Season of #Lent, let us learn to allow the Holy Spirit to form us so that our #prayer might become a living testimony of God’s tenderness for every person experiencing difficulty.” @Pontifex, 11 March 2023
“Let us remain united in faith and solidarity with the people who suffer because of war. Let us especially not forget the battered people of Ukraine.” @Pontifex, 12 March 2023
“Thirsty for love, Jesus quenches our thirst with love. As with the Samaritan woman, he comes to meet us in our daily life, he shares our thirst, he promises us living water that makes eternal life well up within us. #GospelOfTheDay (Jn 4:5–42)” @Pontifex, 12 March 2023
“Thank you for having accompanied me with your prayers. Please continue to do so.” @Pontifex, 13 March 2023
“Just as we recognize a tree by its fruit, so a life filled with good deeds is enlightening and carries the fragrance of Christ into the world.” @Pontifex, 14 March 2023
“The treasure we have received with our Christian vocation, we are obliged to give: it is the dynamic nature of the vocation, the dynamic nature of life.” @Pontifex, 15 March 2023
“I am close to the people of #Malawi, of Mozambique, and of South Africa, who have been struck in recent days by a powerful cyclone. Let us #PrayTogether for the deceased, the injured, the displaced. May the Lord sustain the families and communities most affected by this disaster.” @Pontifex, 15 March 2023
This version of The Weekly Francis covers material released in the last week, from 3 March 2023 to 9 May 2023.
