The Lord Is Always There

Certain Realities Of Life We Only See Through Eyes Cleansed By Our Tears.

Being A Disciple Means Being Constantly Ready To Bring The Love Of Jesus To Others, And This Can Happen Unexpectedly And In Any Place: On The Street, In A City Square, During Work, On A Journey.

There Is Another Important Point: Encountering The Poor. If We Step Outside Ourselves We Find Poverty. Today-it Sickens The Heart To Say So-the Discovery Of A Tramp Who Has Died Of The Cold Is Not News. Today What Counts As News Is, Maybe, A Scandal. A Scandal: Ah, That Is News! Today, The Thought That A Great Many Children Do Not Have Food To Eat Is Not News. This Is Serious, This Is Serious! We Cannot Put Up With This! Yet That Is How Things Are. We Cannot Become Starched Christians, Those Over-educated Christians Who Speak Of Theological Matters As They Calmly Sip Their Tea.

The Cross Is The Price Of True Love. Lord, Give Us The Strength To Accept And Carry Our Crosses!

I Think With Great Affection And Deep Gratitude Of My Venerable Predecessor, Benedict Xvi, Who During These Years Of His Pontificate Has Enriched And Strengthened The Church With His Teaching, His Goodness, His Guidance, His Faith, His Humility, And His Gentleness, Which Will Remain A Spiritual Heritage For All.