Pope Leo XIV continued his weekly catechesis during the general audience. In this instance, he paused to reflect on Jesus' gesture of offering a morsel during the Last Supper to the one He knew was about to betray him.
The Pope emphasized that this is not a gesture of sharing, but much more. Pope Leo defined it as "love's last attempt not to give up".
COMPLETE CATECHESIS OF THE POPE IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters,
in our catechesis on the Jubilee theme of “Christ our Hope,” we continue to reflect on Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection by considering His forgiving love. Despite His betrayal, Jesus loves His disciples until the end: He washes their feet, and even offers a morsel of bread to His betrayer in one last attempt to demonstrate that love. This morsel, in fact, signifies that God does everything possible to reach us in order to offer His love and forgivness. While never denying that evil exists or acting as if bad things do not happen in this world, the example of Jesus shows us that true forgiveness does not wait for contrition but is offered first as a gift. When we experience wounds and betrayal, let us ask for the grace to offer true forgiveness, even when we feel misunderstood and abandoned, or even when it seems to be in vain. In this way, may we know the freedom and peace that comes from a loving and forgiving heart.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience,
particularly the groups from England, Finland, Malta, Senegal, Australia, Japan, South Korea,
Vietnam and the United States of America. I pray that this Jubilee of Hope will be a time of healing and spiritual renewal for all men and women everywhere. Upon you and your families, I invoke God’s strength, love and peace. God bless you.
CA
TR: GS
