Pope reflects on wonder as invitation to know God

Last updated on: April 4, 2013 at 6:14 pm by CNA Daily News

Pope reflects on wonder as invitation to know God 2013-04-04T18:14:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Apr 4, 2013 / 12:14 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Awe and wonder at an encounter with Christ are the first steps in deepening a spiritual life that leads to ultimate peace in the Lord, said Pope Francis at a Vatican Mass.

“First wonder, then spiritual consolation and finally, the last step, peace,” said Pope Francis, adding that “even in the most painful tests, a Christian never loses the peace and presence of Jesus.”

“Wonder is a great grace, the grace that God gives us in our encounter with Jesus Christ,” said the Pope on April 4 at Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he celebrated a Mass that included the staff of the Vatican Typography.

“It is something that draws us outside of ourselves with joy,” he noted. “It is not a mere enthusiasm like that of sports fans when their favorite team wins, but something deeper.”

“It is having an inner experience of meeting the living Christ and thinking that it is not possible, but the Lord helps us understand that is the reality (and) it is wonderful,” he exclaimed.

The Pontiff explained that all of the day’s readings relate to amazement and wonder, giving the examples of the crowds’ amazement at Peter’s healing of the crippled man and the wonder of the disciples at the Risen Christ’s appearance to them.

“This is the Lord’s and this wonder is the beginning of the habitual state of Christians,” he said.

He added, however, that people cannot permanently live “in a state of wonder.”

“But it is the beginning and then this astonishment leaves an impression in the soul and spiritual consolation, the consolation of those who have encountered Jesus Christ,” said Pope Francis.

In this way, he explained, wonder is the first step in attaining peace.

The Pontiff encouraged the congregation to pray, “Lord, grant me this grace which is the hallmark of our encounter with you: spiritual consolation and peace.”

He added that this peace “is a gift of God” which “we cannot lose because it is ours and the Lord’s true peace cannot be bought or sold.”

“This is why we ask for the grace of spiritual consolation and peace of mind, that starts with this joyful wonder of our encounter with Jesus Christ,” said the Pope.

Vatican

Previous Post

April 4, 2013

Pope prays for flood victims, urges aid for survivors

Next Post

April 4, 2013 French couple claims police violence at marriage march

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much ____; apart from me you can do nothing.

Select your answer to see how you score.

Faith Peace Joy Fruit