Kitchen Catechism: Eye on The Pope
The Words of Pope Benedict XVI
Quotes taken from Zenit.org
The words of Pope Benedict XVI are always so spiritually uplifting, hopeful, comforting, strengtheninghelpful as well as educational so I feel it's is very worthwhile for all of us to read them.
In a message sent to the Third American Missionary Congress, held in Quito, Ecuador, I found some wonderful quotes that I would like to pass on to you.
The theme, "there is no greater richness than to enjoy friendship with Christ", was followed by these words:
"The present time is a providential occasion, as with simplicity, purity of heart and fidelity, we again hear how Christ reminds us that we are not servants but friends," the Holy Father added. "He has conquered sin and death, grants us his forgiveness daily, teaches us to forgive and calls us to live a life free from egoism that enslaves us, and brimming with love that stretches and dignifies us."
"The most important service we can offer our brothers is the clear and humble proclamation of Jesus Christ," the Pope said.
"He (Christ) instructs us so that we will remain in his love without being conformed to the dictates of this world, Thus, with our whole life, with the joy of knowing that we are loved by Jesus, whom we can call brother, we will be valid instruments for him to continue to attract all with the mercy that flows from his cross."
The Pope encouraged: "Drink the vivifying water that flows from the side of the Savior and satiates with its crystalline freshness all those who thirst for justice, peace and truth; those who are submerged in the thick fog of sin or the darkness of violence. Feel the consolation of Christ and offer the balm of his love to the afflicted, those who are weighed down by sorrow or who have remained wounded by the coldness of indifference or the scourge of corruption."
Benedict XVI clarified, however, that this witness must be coupled with fidelity to the magisterium and ecclesial communion. (My emphasis)
"These challenges call for overcoming individualism and isolation and for a strengthening of the sense of ecclesial belonging and loyal collaboration with pastors, in order to form prayerful, harmonious, fraternal and missionary Christian communities".
The mission of evangelization must be joined to "persevering prayer, fervent meditation on the word of God, obedience to the magisterium of the Church, the dignified celebration of the sacraments and the testimony of fraternal charity," the Pontiff added.
Benedict XVI compared the congress to a "continental cenacle" on which the "powerful force of the Holy Spirit has come, who with his gifts and charisms continues to stimulate the Church in proclaiming the Good News of salvation to every person -- especially those who do not know Christ or, perhaps, have forgotten him -- to the ends of the earth."
The Pope encouraged them "to share this treasure with others, as there is no greater richness than to enjoy friendship with Christ and to walk beside him. It is worthwhile to consecrate our best energies to
his beautiful endeavor, knowing that divine grace precedes, sustains and accompanies us in its fulfillment." Christ "goes before us on the path of life and helps us to aspire to holiness, so that the missionary that each one bears within himself will awaken and overcome the hesitation and mediocrity that often assails us," the Holy Father said.
"In face of the difficulties of an often hostile environment, of the lack of immediate and spectacular results […] or of the insufficiency of human means, I urge you not to be overcome by fear, defeated by discouragement or pulled down by inertia," Benedict XVI said. "Remember the words of Jesus, the Good Shepherd: 'In the world you will meet with persecution. But, be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.'"