Pope Francis’ General Audience: English summary

Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, we now consider how the Christian community is born of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and grows through the mutual sharing of life among the Lord’s disciples.  Solidarity between Christians is essential in building up God’s family, and this fraternity is nourished by receiving the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood.  Here we see that a strong relationship with Jesus also establishes bonds of love among the members of his Body, the Church.  Participating in the Eucharist led the earliest Christians to hold their goods in common, which enabled them to take care of the poorest of their brothers and sisters.  By living fraternal charity sincerely, we too can maintain the flame of communion, and express our identity as Christian disciples.  As we strive to be faithful to this vocation, may the Lord pour out his Spirit of tenderness upon us and so strengthen our solidarity, especially with those most in need.