Pope Francis "The way God points out is not always clear, nor is the path free of obstacles, including the constant temptation to sin..."
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday appealed to institutions to offer concrete help to the hundreds of thousands of refugees who continue to flee conflict and persecution in their homelands.
Speaking after his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope mentioned that on June 20 we mark World Refugee Day and said the number of our refugee brothers is on the increase as thousands more people are forced to leave their homes in these days in order to be saved.
“Millions of refugee families from different nations and of every religious faith live through dramatic stories and carry deep wounds that will be hard to heal” he said.
And the Pope appealed to the faithful "to be close to these people, sharing their fears and their uncertainty for the future, and alleviating their pain with concrete measures".
“May the Lord sustain those people and institutions” – Francis prayed – “who work with generosity to assure a welcome to refugees, recognise their dignity and give them reasons for hope”.
The Pope’s appeal came after his Wednesday catechesis which today – he said – begins a new cycle dedicated to the Church.
Please find below the English translation of the synopsis of Pope Francis’ catechesis:
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today begins a new cycle of catecheses devoted to the Church. The Church is not simply an institution but a mother, a family, a mystery which is meant to embrace the whole human race. Founded by Jesus Christ, she traces her roots to the Old Testament, where God called Abraham to set off with his household for a new land and promised to make him the father of a vast people, in order to bring his blessing to all the nations of the earth. Significantly, it is God himself who takes the first step: he chooses Abraham and all his household to follow him in faith. The way God points out is not always clear, nor is the path free of obstacles, including the constant temptation to sin and infidelity. The history of God’s people, the Church, is thus one of God’s absolute fidelity, mercy and love; only by his unfailing aid can we overcome our sins and persevere in following the path he points out to us in Christ. Let us ask the Lord to sustain the Church on her journey of faith through history, to guide her to our heavenly homeland and to make her a blessing and a sign of God’s loving plan for all his children.
Share from Radio Vaticana
Comments
Is Pope Francis the vicar of Christ? The Roman Catholic Church teaches that to be true. A vicar is someone acting in the place of another.
Catholic doctrine says the pope is the chief shepherd of the church of Christ.
The Roman Catholic Church claims that the pope is the head of the church of Christ on earth.
What does the Bible say?
1. Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (NKJV)
Jesus has all authority.
2. Colossians 1:13-13 ...the kingdom of the Son of His love,.....18 And He is the head of the body, the church...(NKJV)
Jesus is the head of the church.
3. 1 Peter 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (NKJV)
Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.
QUOTE FROM THE THE ROMAN CATHOLIC VICAR OF CHRIST, POPE FRANCIS.
"The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! "Father, the atheists? Even the atheist. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class. We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all. And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently. little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: We need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. 'But I don't believe , Father, I am an atheist!' But do good: We will meet one another there."
What does the Bible say about unrepentant atheists? 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (NKJV)
Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)[Jesus understands His gospel.]
Obeying the gospel is simply believing and being immersed in water. You must know God and obey the gospel of Christ.
Good works cannot saved anyone, including atheists.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.(NKJV)
Salvation is a free gift of God. No good works are required. Obey the gospel of Christ by believing and being immersed in water (baptized) obtains that free gift.
No man can take the place of Jesus Christ on earth or in heaven.
YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW MY BLOG. http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com