Pope Francis Calls Every Baptized Person to Embrace the Prophetic Mission

During his Angelus address on July 2, Pope Francis emphasized that every baptized person is called to be a modern-day prophet, bearing witness to Jesus and reflecting His light to others. Rejecting superstitious beliefs in magic, tarot cards, and horoscopes, the pope reminded Christians to live as signs that point others towards God.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
7/3/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis, mission, Jesus, address, Vatican

The pope addressed the crowd of approximately 15,000 pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter's Square, highlighting that a prophet is not someone who predicts the future like a magician but is a living sign who guides others towards God. He challenged everyone to reflect on their role as witnesses of Jesus and to evaluate the impact of their testimony. He asked, "Do I bring a little bit of His light into the life of another person? What is my bearing witness like? What is my prophecy like?"

Pope Francis conducted his weekly Sunday address and recited the Angelus prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace. He emphasized that not only are baptized individuals called to be prophetic witnesses but they should also welcome other Christians in their prophetic identity. He urged people to recognize and appreciate one another as bearers of God's message, in various contexts such as family, parish, religious communities, the Church, and society at large. The pope encouraged active listening to all members of the faith community, as everyone, regardless of their role or status, has something important to contribute.

When faced with important decisions, Pope Francis advised praying and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. He also emphasized the importance of listening to others with the intention to understand, as this approach can help avoid and resolve conflicts. The pope emphasized the need to value and accept people as gifts, even if they express opinions that may differ from our own.

Pope Francis concluded by urging continued prayers for peace around the world, particularly for the Ukrainian people and other regions affected by conflicts. He called on people to stay informed about global issues, extend assistance to those who suffer, and rely on the power of prayer, which serves as a gentle force that protects and sustains the world.