In his Angelus address on Aug. 1, Pope Francis said that we are called to mature in faith, leaving behind self-interest: “We are not able to do this on our own. But the Lord wants a loving relationship with us: before the things we receive and do, there is Him to love. There is a relationship with Him that goes beyond the logic of interest and calculation. It is right to present our needs to God’s heart,” he said, “but the Lord, who acts far beyond our expectations, wishes to live with us first of all in a relationship of love.”
A practical application of the Holy Father’s advice is that, as members of Christ’s Body, we must share in the joys and struggles of others, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. In faith and trust, we can pour out our hearts for one another every day in prayer.
So, let us pray. “Loving God, you grace each of us with an equal measure in your love. Let us learn to love both the Universal Church and our neighbors more deeply, so that we can create a peaceful community worldwide and locally. Inspire us to use our energies to overcome the obstacles of intolerance and indifference. Help us build bridges and not fences. May Jesus your Son provide us the example we need and may your Holy Spirit provide us both strength and reassurance for the journey. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.”
