We are not insignificant, each and every person is the child of a Great King, our Heavenly Father…

Pope Francis stressed this during his General Audience, this Wednesday, May 20th, 2020, in his papal library, in the midst of the pandemic of coronavirus worldwide, as he focused on prayer, specifically on the mystery of creation.

Italy has entered its ‘phase two’ on May 4th, resulting in some relaxing of restrictions. Public Masses resumed across the country on Monday, May 18, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Karol Wojtyla.

Two week ago, the Holy Father began a new series of catecheses on prayer, noting that it is “a cry that arises from the hearts of those who trust in God,” as he exhorted  all faithful to embrace their prayer life.

In today’s catechesis, the Pope recalled that “the first pages of the Bible resemble a great hymn of thanksgiving for the goodness and beauty of creation, whose grandeur awakens a sense of wonder within the human heart and a desire to pray.”

The awe-inspiring immensity of creation, Francis recognized, stirs us to contemplate the mystery of our own being.

“Though we may experience the weight of our insignificance,” the Argentinian Pontiff said, “we are not nothing.”

Prayer assures us that things do not exist merely by chance, and that our relationship with God is the source of our nobility.

“Men and women, by nature, may be almost nothing; yet by vocation, they are children of a great King!” he reminded.

“Amidst the difficulties and trials of life, prayer,” the Pope underscored, “sustains our appreciation and gratitude, for it gives vigour to our hope.”

Urging faithful to remember the immense power of prayer, which helps us understand the value of our lives, Pope Francis reminded that hope is stronger than despair, and love is stronger than death.

“For the simple joy of being alive, let us offer praise and thanks to our heavenly Father,” he said.us greetings and with the Pope giving his Apostolic Blessing.

Here is the Vatican-provided English summary of today’s General Audience:

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Speaker:

Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on prayer, we now consider the mystery of creation. The first pages of the Bible resemble a great hymn of thanksgiving for the goodness and beauty of creation, whose grandeur awakens a sense of wonder within the human heart and a desire to pray. The awe-inspiring immensity of creation stirs us to contemplate the mystery of our own being. Though we may experience the weight of our insignificance, we are not nothing. Prayer assures us that things do not exist merely by chance, and that our relationship with God is the source of our nobility. Men and women, by nature, may be almost nothing; yet by vocation, they are children of a great King! Amidst the difficulties and trials of life, prayer sustains our appreciation and gratitude, for it gives vigour to our hope. The hope of those who pray can in turn help others to realize that life is a gift from God; that hope is stronger than despair; that love is stronger than death. For the simple joy of being alive, let us offer praise and thanks to our heavenly Father.

Speaker:

I greet the English-speaking faithful joining us through the media. As we prepare to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, I invoke upon you and your families the peace and joy that come from the Risen Christ. May God bless you!

 

[Vatican-provided text]

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