ANGELUS ADDRESS AUGUST 7, 2022 Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno! In the Gospel of today’s Liturgy, Jesus speaks to the disciples to reassure them about every fear and to invite them to be vigilant. He addresses two fundamental exhortations to them: the first is, “Fear not, little flock” (Lk 12:32); the second is, “Be ready” (cf. v. 35). “Fear not” and Be ready”. They are two key words for conquering the fears that paralyse us at times, and to overcome the temptation of a passive, slumbering life. “Fear not” and “Be ready”. Let us look at these two invitations. Fear not. First of all, Jesus encourages the disciples. He has just finished speaking to them about the loving and provident care of the Father, who cares for the lilies of the fields and the birds of the air, and therefore, all the more for his children. So there is no need to worry and fret, for our story is firmly in God’s hands. We are heartened by Jesus’ invitation not to fear. Indeed, at times we feel imprisoned by a feeling of distrust and anxiety. It is the fear of failure, of not being acknowledged and loved, the fear of not being able to accomplish our plans, of never being happy, and so on. And so, we scramble to look for solutions, to find a space in which to emerge, to accumulate goods and wealth, to obtain security. And how do we end up? We end up living anxiously and constantly worrying. Instead, Jesus reassures us: Do not be afraid! Trust in the Father who wants to give you all you truly need. He has already given you his Son, his Kingdom, and he always accompanies you with his providence, taking care of you every day. Fear not: this is the certainty that your hearts should be attached to! Fear not: a heart attached to this certainty. Fear not. Wisdom of Pope Leo XIV And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart (cf. Jer 3:15) capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth. And to young people, I say: “Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!” As we await His Holiness Pope Leo XIV ’ s future homilies and addresses regarding Gospel readings, we will revisit teachings of his predecessors. Teachings of the Popes POPE FRANCIS
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