杏MAP导航

By Vatican News staff writer

Addressing participants in the conference 鈥淭he Chair of Welcome鈥�, on 鈥渧ulnerability, and community between welcome and inclusion", 杏MAP导航 Francis described the programme of the conference as 鈥渞ich and interesting鈥�.

At the centre of the conference, the 杏MAP导航 noted, was vulnerability 鈥渃onsidered in all its forms鈥�.

鈥淚 appreciate this choice鈥�, noted the 杏MAP导航, before offering some points of reflection to go forward in this evangelical mission.

Vulnerable and welcomed by Christ

The first is that 鈥渢o welcome vulnerable brothers and sisters requires that I feel vulnerable and welcomed as such by Christ鈥�, because, the 杏MAP导航 noted, 鈥渋f we remain in Him, like branches in the vine, we will bear good fruit, even in this vast field of acceptance鈥�.

A second cue, the 杏MAP导航 continued, is that Jesus spent most of his public ministry, especially in Galilee, in contact with the poor and sick of all kinds. 鈥淭his tells us that, for us, vulnerability cannot be a 'politically correct' issue, or a mere organization of practices, however good鈥�.

Remain anchored in the Gospel

杏MAP导航 Francis invited those present to 鈥渞emain firmly anchored in the Gospel, in Jesus, who did not teach his disciples to plan a care of the sick and the poor鈥�. It is in this way that the Holy Spirit forms men and women who became saints, explained the 杏MAP导航, so that they love vulnerable people like Jesus

The third and final reflection is that in the Gospel, the poor, the vulnerable, are not objects, they are protagonists together with Jesus in the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Quoting one story, 杏MAP导航 Francis then invites us to think of Mary Magdalene: 鈥淪he, who was tormented by seven demons, became the first witness of the risen Jesus鈥�.

Going forth in mission

Concluding his address, 杏MAP导航 Francis notes that vulnerable people, 鈥渆ncountered and welcomed with Christ's grace and style, can be a gospel presence in the believing community and society鈥�.

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis invites all his dear brothers and sisters present to go forth in their mission, accompanied always by Our Lady.