Jesus tells us what the 'protocol' is, on which we will be judged. It is the one we read in chapter 25 of Matthew's Gospel: I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was in prison, I was sick, I was naked and you helped me, clothed me, visited me, took care of me. Whenever we do this to one of our brothers, we do this to Jesus. Caring for our neighbor; for those who are poor, who suffer in body and in soul, for those who are in need. This is the touchstone.
Pope FrancisWhen everything falls apart, only one thing sustains our hope: God loves us, he loves everyone!
Pope FrancisI want to remind priests that the confessional must not be a torture chamber but rather an encounter with the Lordโs mercy which spurs us on to do our best. A small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of Godโs saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings.
Pope FrancisTrue charity requires courage: Let us overcome the fear of getting our hands dirty so as to help those in need.
Pope FrancisAt the first meeting I had with the (Italian) bishops in May 2013, one of the three things I said was: with the Italian government you're on your own. Because the pope is for everybody and he can't insert himself in the specific internal politics of a country. This is not the role of the pope, right?
Pope Francis