We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
Discovering the Heart of Love: Pope Francis Shares Wisdom on Charity
FREE Catholic Classes
On Wednesday, May 15, at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis spoke to the faithful about the deepest form of Christian love: charity. He called it the "culmination" of the virtues we hold dear. "Love is charity," the Pope emphasized, highlighting how it's tied to our connection with God.
Highlights
5/15/2024 (1 week ago)
Published in Living Faith
Keywords: Pope Francis, Faith, General Audience
"Love is a tough thing to show without God's help. Our human side likes good and beautiful things naturally," Pope Francis explained. He pointed to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, where He said, "Love your enemy." This, the Pope said, is the highest form of love because it includes forgiving even those who hurt us.
"It seems almost impossible to love this way," Pope Francis admitted, "but it's what truly matters. Love is like a narrow gate that leads to God's kingdom."
He spoke about different types of love, like love for friends, for our community, and for all people. But Pope Francis highlighted that charity is what allows us to love even those who aren't kind to us. "Charity comes from God, from the Holy Spirit working in us," he added.
Pope Francis also talked about St. Paul's teachings in his letter to the Corinthians. He reminded them that Paul was speaking to a group of people who were not always good at loving each other. Paul encouraged them to practice a love that comes down from God, not just one that goes up to Him.
"Today, just like in Corinth, there's often confusion about what love really is," the Pope remarked. He compared true Christian love to the popular ideas of love we hear in songs and from influencers.
Before the audience ended, Pope Francis talked about the upcoming Pentecost celebration, where Christians remember the Holy Spirit coming to help them. He asked everyone to be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, especially in tough times.
Finally, he took a moment to pray for the people affected by flooding in Afghanistan, especially the children and families who are suffering. He urged the world to come together and support those who need help the most.
In his words and prayers, Pope Francis showed us that charity - God's love in action - is what truly matters in our lives.
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Have Fun and Make a Difference: Win Exciting Items at YCVF's Fundraising Auctions!
-
Carlo Acutis: The Teen on His Way to Sainthood
-
To honor the lost: A brief history of Memorial Day
-
Memorial Day: Honor Those Who Have Given Their Lives in Military Service
-
Memorial Day: Chaplains - A Reminder that We Are One Nation Under God
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Wednesday, May 29, 2024
- St. Maximinus of Trier: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, May 29, 2024
- Prayer to St. Gabriel, for Others: Prayer of the Day for Friday, May 10, 2024
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, May 28, 2024
- Bl. Margaret Pole: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, May 28, 2024
- Prayer for Travelers: Prayer of the Day for Thursday, May 09, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.