Pope reflects on faithfulness of God

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis prayed for the elderly, especially those living in isolation because of Covid-19, during Mass this morning at Casa Santa Marta. Many of them are afraid of dying alone, he said. "They are our roots, our story, our history".." Let us pray that the Lord might be close to them in this moment."

The Holy Father recalled his reflection yesterday on St Mary Magdalene as an "icon of fidelity" in the Gospel. He asked what it means for us to be faithful to God. Our fidelity he said, "is nothing more than a response to God's fidelity."

God is "faithful to his word… faithful to his promise" ... He walks with his people, carrying out His promise close to his people." We constantly experience God as Saviour, the Pope said, because "He is faithful to His promise."

In the first Reading, a man crippled from birth is healed in the name of Jesus. Pope Francis said this is an example of God's fidelity, "who is capable of redoing things, of re-creating… this is His faithfulness to us: a re-creation that is more wonderful than creation."

Like a good shepherd, God never tires of seeking the sheep that is lost, the Pope said. He does so "out of love, out of fidelity," and not for pay, but freely, gratuitously. God is like a father who never grows tired of waiting for his son to return home - and who throws a party when he does. "God's faithfulness is a feast, a free feast, a feast for all of us."

It is that divine faithfulness that led our "generous God" to seek after Peter, who had denied Jesus during His Passion. Pope Francis explained that although we do not know what the Lord said to Peter when He appeared to him for the first time after the Resurrection, "We know that it was God's faithfulness that sought Peter out."

As with Peter, God's faithfulness always precedes our own, "and our faithfulness is always a response to that faithfulness that precedes us."

Watch the Mass here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVamJcQieas

Throughout the Coronavirus crisis, Pope Francis has cancelled public appearances, but instead his Morning Masses at Casa Santa Marta are being livestreamed, especially for those who are sick and those caring for them. Recordings are also being posted up by Vatican Media so people around the world can see them later.