Speaking to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis recalled the Gospel in today’s liturgy when Jesus bid farewell to his disciples at the Last Supper, and encouraged us to ask ourselves how we respond to difficult situations that cause anxiety.
Learn more about the Laudato Si’ Action Platform by joining Laudato Si’ Week from May 22-29
“Dear brothers and sisters, no sin, no failure, no grudge should discourage us from insistently asking for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives us peace. The more agitated we feel our hearts, the more we feel nervousness, impatience, anger within us, the more we must ask the Lord for the spirit of peace.”
Pope Francis urged us to pray daily, “Lord, give me your peace. Give me the Holy Spirit,” and to ask the same for others, including national leaders. “May Our Lady help us to take in the Holy Spirit to be peacemakers.”
“My peace I leave you”
Jesus gives us peace at a time that is anything but serene. He wants us to behave in the same way, despite our difficulties, as heirs of his peace. He asks us to be meek, open, willing to listen, and able to defuse contentions by asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with serenity. Pope Francis urges us to reflect and ask ourselves, “How do I respond?”
Laudato Si’ Week begins today! How will you respond?
Pope Francis marked the beginning of Laudato Si’ Week today, a “week to listen ever more attentively to the cry of the earth, which spurs us to act together in caring for the common home.” He thanked the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development and the many participating organizations and invited everyone to participate.
Commit to our common home: Join a Laudato Si’ Week event near you
Watch Pope Francis’ video urging us to join Laudato Si’ Week along with our brothers and sisters across the globe:
Learn more about the Laudato Si’ Action Platform by joining Laudato Si’ Week from May 22-29