Pope Francis says that for a family to move forward and possess hope and trust, frequently consulting the Bible is not optional.
Speaking to the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square at noon following the Mass to open the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican Basilica, the Holy Father said that “for the family to be able to walk well, with trust and hope, it must be nourished by the Word of God.”
After reminding pilgrims that this morning they opened the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the topic “The Pastoral Challenges on the Family in the Context of Evangelization,” the Pope called on them to pray for the two intense weeks to come, that they will be “made fruitful by prayer.”
The Pontiff recalled that today’s Gospel presents the image of the vine as symbol of the people that the Lord has chosen.
“Like a vine,” he said, “the people require so much care; they require a patient and faithful love.” He added, “In this way, God works with us.”
“In the same way,” he continued, “we pastors are called to do the same. Taking care of the family is also a way of working in the Lord’s vineyard, that it will bear fruits of the Kingdom of God.”
Francis then surprised those present with a concrete gift, a Bible, and thanked the Pauline brothers for making the distribution, on the occasion of the centenary of their foundation by Blessed Giacomo Alberione, “great apostle of communication.”
Repeating “A bible in every family!” he underscored that Bibles are to be actively used.
“They mustn’t be hidden,” he stressed, “not put on a shelf, but to have one and take it in our hand, to read it often, everyday, be it individually or together, husband and wife, parents and children, perhaps in the evening, especially on Sunday.”
This, he said, makes the family “grow” and “walk, with the light and strength of the Word of God!”
The Pope concluded by inviting all to pray for the synod and invoking the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary.
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On Zenit’s Web page:
Full Translation: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-angelus-address-sunday-oct-5th
