Charity
Performing “at least” one work of mercy every day to bring about a “true cultural revolution”. This invitation marked the end of Pope Francis’ catechesis today, in which the Pontiff announced to the 32,000 faithful present in St Pater’s Square that the upcoming Wednesday audiences would be dedicated to the works of spiritual and corporal mercy. “The works of mercy awaken in us the need and the ability to make our faith alive and active trough charity”, he explained. “I am convinced that through these simple daily gestures, we can bring about a true cultural revolution, as it was in the past”. “Many saints are still remembered today, not for the great works they performed, but for the charity they were able to communicate!”, Pope Francis exclaimed, pointing to the example of the recently canonised Mother Teresa. “We do not remember her for the many houses she opened across the world, but because she would bend down to each person she would meet along the road and return them their dignity. How many abandoned children she embraced! How many dying persons she accompanied to the threshold of eternity, holding them by hand!”. “These works of mercy are the traits of the face of Jesus Christ who takes care of His little brothers so that each of them may experience God’s tenderness and closeness”, the Pope continued. “May the Holy Spirit instil in us the desire to live with this lifestyle”. “Let us learn again by heart the works of spiritual and corporal mercy, and let us ask the Lord to help us to put them into practice every day”, the Pope’s final off-the-cuff exhortation: “whenever we see Jesus in a person in need”.
