Pope at Sunday Angelus: ‘Seek out where Jesus lives’

By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis prayed the Angelus on Sunday with pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter’s Square, reflecting on the day’s readings at Mass and the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

The Holy Father said the Gospel reading “introduces us perfectly into Ordinary liturgical time” because it reminds us of our call to follow Jesus in everyday life.

He said Ordinary Time “serves to animate and confirm our journey of faith in our everyday life, in a dynamic that moves between epiphany and discipleship, between manifestation and vocation.”

'Come and see'

A guide, the Pope said, is essential for this daily journey towards Jesus. John the Baptist plays this role for Andrew and the other disciple, pointing out for them “the Lamb of God”.

When they ask Jesus where he lives, he tells them to “Come and see” and their lives are never the same.

“We can have many experiences, accomplish many things, establish relationships with many people, but only the appointment with Jesus, at the hour that God knows, can give full meaning to our lives and make our projects and efforts fruitful,” he said.

‘Where do you live?’

Pope Francis went on to say that hearsay is never enough to find and encounter Jesus. “We must go in search of the Divine Master and discover where He lives.”

The disciples’ question: “Where do you live”, he said, holds a strong spiritual sense. “[I]t expresses the desire to know where the Master resides, to be with Him. The life of faith consists in a burning desire to be with the Lord and, therefore, in a continuous search for the place where He lives.”

The Pope said the Sacraments, prayer, and meditation on the Word of God are the keys to living well that life of faith.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Following the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis called to mind the celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated on Sunday.

Quoting his message for the Day, he said, “Every stranger who knocks on our door is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ, who identifies himself with the foreigner who has been accepted or rejected in every age.”

He said four verbs should express the Church’s response to migration: “welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating”.

The Holy Father also said the Day’s commemoration would be pushed back to the Second Sunday in September “for pastoral reasons”.

Finally, Pope Francis recalled his departure on Monday for his Apostolic Journey to Chile and Peru.

“I ask you to accompany me with your prayers,” the Pope said, wishing everyone a blessed Sunday.