Jesus demands wholehearted commitment, Pope reminds audience

August 24, 2009

"Jesus in fact is not contented by a merely superficial or formal belonging," Pope Benedict XVI told his Sunday audience on August 23; the Lord asks the faithful to make a wholehearted commitment to Him. Commenting on the day's reading from the 6th chapter of St. John's Gospel, the Holy Father remarked that many people who heard Jesus speak found his words too difficult to accept. "Even today, many are shocked by the paradox of the Christian faith," the Pope continued. "Jesus’ teaching seems too 'hard.'" But for those who are ready to make the necessary commitment, "Jesus fills hearts with joy."

 

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Further information:

• Pope Benedict XVI Encourages Faithful to Authentic Discipleship (Vatican Radio)
• Le Parole del Papa alla Recita dell'Angelus (Vatican press office)
• Following Jesus means going against the trend, beyond scandal and adaptation, says Pope (AsiaNews)