蜜桃交友

By Devin Watkins

Continuing his catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus strengthened the early Christian community to serve those in need, especially as seen in the ministry of St. Peter.

The Lord, said the Pope, was generous with Jesus鈥� disciples, who worked 鈥渕any signs and wonders鈥� (Acts 5:12,15-16).

He said the early Church is depicted as 鈥渁 field hospital that takes in the weakest people: the infirm.鈥�

鈥淭he sick hold a privileged role in the Church and in the priestly heart of all the faithful,鈥� said Pope Francis. 鈥淭hey are not to be cast aside. On the contrary, they are to be cared for, to be looked after. They are the objects of Christian concern.鈥�

Peter manifests Jesus鈥� presence

The Holy Father said Peter emerges as the head of the apostles, as his Pentecost preaching and ministry of healing shows.

Peter, like Jesus, is drawn to people suffering illness and infirmity, so he acts in persona Christi, allowing Christ to operate in his actions.

鈥淧eter carries out the work of the Master,鈥� said Pope Francis. 鈥淟ooking at him with faith, we see Christ himself.鈥�

鈥淚n the wounds of the sick and in the diseases that impede us from moving forward in life, Jesus鈥� presence, and His wounds, is always there,鈥� he added. 鈥淛esus calls each of us to look after them, to support them, and to heal them.鈥�

Despite envy and threats

Pope Francis said the healing power of the apostles incited envy and hate in the Sadducees, who imprisoned and beat them.

Peter鈥檚 response to their threats, said the Pope, was that 鈥渨e must obey God rather than men鈥�.

鈥淭his is the great Christian response,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t means listening to God without hesitation鈥�.

Finally, the Holy Father invited the pilgrims present at the General Audience to ask the Holy Spirit for the interior strength to know that God is always at our side as we carry out His healing work.