Receive God’s consolation in the Word and sacraments, says Pope

December 09, 2014

During his December 7 Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis reflected on Isaiah 40:1-11, the first reading of the day’s Mass.

“We cannot be messengers of God’s consolation if we do not experience first the joy of being consoled and loved by him,” the Pope said. “This happens especially when we listen to his Word.”

He continued, “The Gospel, which we should carry in our pocket, do not forget this! The Gospel, in your pocket or in your purse, read it continuously … When we remain in prayerful silence in his presence, when we meet him in the Eucharist or in the Sacrament of Reconciliation-- all this consoles us.”

Referring to the sadness of “those who are enslaved by money, power, success, worldliness,” Pope Francis added that “in sadness, we feel almost like the protagonists. Instead, in consolation, the Holy Spirit is the protagonist.”

 

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Further information:

• Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus (Holy See Press Office)
• Zenit translation
• Pope Angelus: Advent, a time of hope (Vatican Radio)