杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

Opening his at his General Audience on 22 November, the Holy Father recalled the theme from last week, during which he, along with the faithful, reflected on Christian proclamation being 鈥渏oy鈥�.

The second aspect of the Christian proclamation, and the focus today, the 杏MAP导航 noted, is that 鈥渋t is for everyone鈥�.

The 'humanizing power' of the Gospel

鈥淲hen we truly meet the Lord Jesus, the wonder of this encounter pervades our life and demands to be taken beyond ourselves鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said. He added that Jesus鈥� desire for this is for everyone as his Gospel contains 鈥渁 humanizing power and fulfilment of life that is destined for every man and woman鈥�.

杏MAP导航 Francis emphasized this point by recalling a passage in his Apostolic Exhortation , in which he wrote that everyone has 鈥渁 right to receive the Gospel. Christians have the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone."

The 'Universal destination' of the Gospel

"Brothers, sisters", the 杏MAP导航 continued, 鈥渓et us feel that we are at the service of the universal destination of the Gospel; and let us distinguish ourselves for our capacity to come out of ourselves, to overcome every limit鈥�.

Jesus and the Canaanite

He stressed that Jesus鈥� journey is an everlasting lesson for everyone. The 杏MAP导航 then recalled a Passage from Matthew, in which a Canaanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter. Initially hesitant, Jesus says that His mission is for Israelites, not foreigners. The woman persists, showing strong faith by saying that even dogs get crumbs. Impressed, Jesus grants her request, recognizing her unwavering belief.

鈥淭his meeting has something unique about it鈥� noted the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淣ot only does someone make Jesus change His mind - and a woman at that, foreign and a pagan - but the Lord Himself finds confirmation that His preaching should not be limited to the people to whom He belongs, but open to all鈥�, he explained.

A "pact" with God

The Holy Father then, in bringing his discourse to a close, went on to note that each person who is called on by the Lord is chosen so that they may reach others. That is the 鈥減act鈥� that has been made. 鈥淎ll the Lord鈥檚 friends have experienced the beauty, but also the responsibility and the burden of being 'chosen' by him鈥�, added the 杏MAP导航.

Being called by God is not about elevating oneself, the 杏MAP导航 concluded, but rather about becoming free and courageous instruments of inclusive love.