In his general audience Pope Francis reflected on the importance of meditation in deepening faith. He stated that for Christians, “meditation is not simply a matter of introspection but a method of prayer.”
The Pope noted that there are many ways to engage in meditation, but that they all share the same goal: bringing Christians to “grow in relationship with Jesus.”
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on Christian prayer, we now consider the importance of meditative prayer. Everyone needs moments of recollection amid the busyness of our daily lives. For Christians, meditation is not simply a matter of introspection but a method of prayer, a means of encountering Christ, above all in the mysteries of his earthly life.
While there are many methods of meditation in the Church’s rich spiritual tradition, all have a single aim: to enable us to grow in our relationship with Jesus our Saviour.
By the grace of the Holy Spirit, our union with Christ in faith is nurtured through the use of our intellect, imagination, emotions and desires. The Catechism teaches that meditation on the mysteries of Christ deepens our faith, prompts the conversion of our hearts, and strengthens our will to follow in his footsteps.
Our Lord’s every word and action can thus touch us and become a part of our own lives.
On every page of the Gospel we are invited to encounter Christ and to discover in him the source of our salvation and our true happiness.
I cordially greet the English-speaking faithful. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon
you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you all!
Justin McLellan
VM
