Pope Francis: God awaits our conversion

February 29, 2016

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading at Mass (Lk. 13:1-9), Pope Francis devoted his February 28 Angelus address to God’s patience in awaiting our conversion.

Christ “invites us to change the heart, to make a radical switch on the path of our lives, abandoning compromises with evil,” the Pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “But again there is the temptation to justify ourselves. What should we convert from? Aren’t we basically good people? — How many times we have thought this.”

“Unfortunately, each of us very much resembles the tree that, over many years, has repeatedly shown that it’s sterile,” the Pope continued. “But, fortunately for us, Jesus is like a farmer who, with limitless patience, still obtains a concession for the fruitless vine. ‘Sir, leave it for this year also … it may bear fruit in the future.’”

The Pope added:

Have you thought about the patience of God? Have you thought as well of his limitless concern for sinners? How it should lead us to impatience with ourselves! It’s never too late to convert. Never. Until the last moment, God’s patience awaits us … It’s never too late to convert, but it’s urgent. It’s now! Let us begin today.

 

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Further information:

• Angelus Domini 2016.02.28 (YouTube Vatican)
• Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus, 28.02.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
• Angelus Text: It’s Never Too Late to Convert (Zenit)