Every true encounter is free and cannot be bought: whether it is with God, with others, or with nature. We must simply become guests: make space and also ask for it; welcome and allow ourselves to be welcomed. We are called not only to give, but also to receive. #Angelus

I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in #Gaza. I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness. I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for their families and the injured. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace!

In order to live eternally, we do not need to cheat death, but to serve life, by caring for others in this, our time together.

Looking without walking by, halting the frantic pace of our lives, allowing the lives of others, whoever they may be, with their needs and troubles, to touch our heart. That is what makes us neighbors to one another, what generates true fraternity and breaks down walls and barriers.

The parable of the Good Samaritan speaks to us first about God’s way of seeing us, so that we in turn can learn how to see situations and people with his eyes, so full of love and compassion.

How we look at others is what counts, because it shows what is in our hearts. We can look and walk by, or we can look and be moved with compassion. #GospelOfToday (Lk 10:25-37)

The Lord wishes to do something great in our lives and in the history of humanity, yet there are few who perceive this, pause to receive the gift and then proclaim and share it with others.

Let us #PrayTogether that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel. #PrayerIntention @clicktopray_en #ClickToPray

The theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is “Seeds of Peace and Hope.” Environmental justice is an urgent need that involves much more than simply protecting the environment. It is a matter of justice – social, economic and human.

Although the earth can produce enough food for all humanity, many of the world’s poor still lack their daily bread. This makes the tragedy of hunger and malnutrition even more lamentable and shameful.