“Wherever the Lord has planted you, stand firm in hope, never loose heart”.
Those were Pope Francis’ words at his General Audience on Wednesday as he continued his reflections on Christian hope. This week the Holy Father focused his attention on teaching the virtue of hope, offering his guidance and encouragement especially to young people.
Don’t give in to negativity
He told those present in St Peter’s Square, “never to yield to the negativity that tears things and people down, but keep building, try to make this world conform ever more fully to God’s plan.”
“Never despair, he added, build on who you are; if you’re on the ground, get up. If you’re sitting, get up and go. If boredom paralyzes you, fill your life with good works.”
The Pope continued by saying that, “God does not disappoint: if he has placed hope in our hearts, he does not want to frustrate it with continued frustration. Everything is born to bloom in an eternal spring.”
Be peace builders
Pope Francis invited Christians to use their “God-given gifts of mind and heart to help our human family to grow in freedom, justice and dignity.” “Peace, the Pope said, is in the midst of men, do not listen to the voice of those who spread hate and divisions.”
Jesus, the Holy Father underlined, “gave us a shining light in the darkness: defend it, protect it.
Speaking to the pilgrims present, Pope Francis encouraged them to dream, and concluding his catechesis, he said, “live, love and believe! And with God’s grace, be beacons of hope to all around you.”
Please find below the official English-language summary:
Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on Christian hope, I would now like to reflect on how we teach the virtue of hope. So I will speak directly, person to person, especially to our young people, with a few words of guidance and encouragement. First and foremost, wherever the Lord has planted you, stand firm in hope; never lose heart! Trust in God’s fatherly care, the love of Jesus and the power of the Spirit to transform and renew all things. Never yield to the negativity that tears things and people down, but keep building, trying to make this world conform ever more fully to God’s plan. Keep your eyes open to the beauty all around you, keep the lamp of faith burning in your heart, and trust in the fulfillment of God’s promises. Use your God-given gifts of mind and heart to help our human family to grow in freedom, justice and dignity. Jesus has won the victory and he asks us to follow his example by bringing his love and mercy to a world wounded by sin, hatred and division. Be faithful to your ideals, get up whenever you fall, and never despair. In a word: live, love and believe! And with God’s grace, be beacons of hope to all around you.
Vatican Radio
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