In the General Audience, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on prayer. He reflected on the mystery of creation, “whose grandeur awakens a sense of wonder within the human heart.”
The pope said despite sometimes feeling insignificant, human beings “are not nothing.” Instead, he said, men and women are by vocation, children of God. He reminded the faithful that prayer can help them see life as a gift from God.
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
In our continuing catechesis on prayer, we now consider the mystery of creation. The first pages of the Bible resemble a great hymn of thanksgiving for the goodness and beauty of creation, whose grandeur awakens a sense of wonder within the human heart and a desire to pray.
The awe-inspiring immensity of creation stirs us to contemplate the mystery of our own being. Though we may experience the weight of our insignificance, we are not nothing. Prayer assures us that things do not exist merely by chance, and that our relationship with God is the source of our nobility.
Men and women, by nature, may be almost nothing; yet by vocation, they are children of a great King! Amidst the difficulties and trials of life, prayer sustains our appreciation and gratitude, for it gives vigor to our hope. The hope of those who pray can in turn help others to realize that life is a gift from God; that hope is stronger than despair; that love is stronger than death.
For the simple joy of being alive, let us offer praise and thanks to our heavenly Father.
I greet the English-speaking faithful joining us through the media. As we prepare to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, I invoke upon you and your families the peace and joy that come from the Risen Christ. May God bless you!
