Pope at Angelus: Say yes to God's invitation to joy and communion

By Thaddeus Jones

Greeting the many pilgrims and visitors gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis spoke about the day's Gospel passage when Jesus tells the parable about a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son, generously inviting others to share in his joy. The king shows a goodness of heart since he does not force anyone to attend, but leaves it open for people to decide whether to accept the invite to the feast.

All are invited

Attending the banquet calls for our time and commitment, a "yes" freely given, the Pope observed. He explained that this type of relationship the Father offers us is not one of subjection, but one of fatherhood and sonship, as "He respects our freedom fully" since "God proposes: he does not impose, never."

God's open invitation

Recalling how the parable recounts that some of the servants refused the king's invitation to the marriage feast or ignored it by going off to carry out their own business, the Pope pointed out the gravity of the story when people say "no" to God's invitation. But God's response to that refusal is to renew his invitation with great patience and openness of heart, the Pope added.

What is my response?

We also can become totally focused on our own affairs, failing to see or heed God's invitation, the Pope pointed out, saying we need to make free time for God, "to find the time that frees us: that lightens and heals our hearts, that increases peace, confidence and joy in us, that saves us from evil, loneliness and loss of meaning."

The Pope said we can make room for the Lord at Mass, listening to the Word of God, in prayer, and also in charity by helping our brothers and sisters in need such as the poor, sick, lonely, even just listening to each other. And by consoling those who are suffering, we can be with the Lord who is present in them. 

In conclusion, the Pope recommended some introspection by reflecting on how much space we make for God in our daily lives and whether we are overly focused on our own affairs rather than on responding to the Lord' invitation and helping our brethren in need, where we can find true fulfillment and happiness.

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face 

Speaking after the recitation of the Angelus Prayer, Pope Francis reminded the faithful of the publication on Sunday of the Apostolic Exhortation dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

"Today, an Apostolic Exhortation on St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face is published, entitled "C'est la confiance": in fact, as this great Saint and Doctor of the Church testified, it is trust in God's merciful love that is the way to the heart of the Lord and his Gospel," he said.