Pope Leo XIV resumed his catechesis at the Wednesday general audience after a brief pause due to his first apostolic journey.
In it, he reflected on the role that death plays in our lives as another step toward eternal life.
SUMMARY OF THE WEEKLY PUBLIC CATECHESIS:
Dear brothers and sisters,
In today’s catechesis, we continue our reflection on the Jubilee theme of “Jesus Christ our
Hope,” by considering death in the light of the Resurrection. As human beings, we are aware that our life here on earth will one day come to an end. Our present culture tends to fear death and seeks to avoid thinking about it, even turning to medicine and science in search of immortality. The Gospel passage we have just heard, however, invites us to look forward to the dawn of the Resurrection.
Jesus has passed from death to life as the first fruits of a new creation. The light of his victory
illuminates our own mortality, reminding us that death is not the end, but a passing from this life into eternity. Therefore, death is not something to be feared, but rather a moment to prepare for. It is an invitation to examine our lives and so live in such a way that we may one day share not only in the death of Christ, but also in the joy of eternal life.
I extend a warm welcome this morning to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking
part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from England, Wales, Malta, Uganda, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States of America. I pray that each of you, and your families, may experience a blessed Advent in preparation for the coming of the new born Jesus, Son of God and Savior of the world. God bless you all!
