2023-08-04 13:21:48
On the morning of the third day of his international pastoral tour in Portugal, Pope Francis received charity workers and praised them for putting “love into action”, saying that even the simplest gestures have value.
(Vatican News Network) “Love in action”: This is how Pope Francis described the selfless work of amity workers when he received them on the third day of his international pastoral tour in Portugal. On the morning of August 4th, Pope Francis came to the parish center of Seraphin in Lisbon, where he met with representatives of some rescue and charity centers, and urged them to continue to make “life a gift of love and joy”.
The Pope started by stating that there is no “abstract love”, that such a thing “does not exist”. The Pope said that specific love will get our hands dirty. Each of us can ask ourselves: Is my love for everyone here, my love for other people, concrete or abstract? When I shake hands with the needy, the sick, the marginalized, do I wipe my hands immediately after shaking hands, lest they “infect” me?
Then, the Pope reminded people to reflect on whether they hate poverty, and warned against living the “pure water life” that only exists in fantasy but not in reality. Instead, our way of life must “leave a mark” and “inspire others”.
“Through your deeds, your commitments, through your dirty hands touching reality and the suffering of others, you are inspiring, you are creating life. Thank you for everything,” the Pope emphasized. The Pope also encouraged them, To keep going, never lose heart. “If you guys get discouraged, just drink a glass of water and move on.”
Later, the Pope said that charity is the origin and goal of our Christian journey and the presence of workers of charity. Charity is “love in action.” Love makes people experience joy not only in heaven, but also on earth because it expands our hearts and allows us to embrace the meaning of life.
Good things can happen if we don’t waste time complaining about things, but instead focus on meeting people’s specific needs, with joy and trust in God’s help, the Pope continued. The Pope also urged those present to continue to meet the challenges of old and new forms of poverty with tenderness and compassion, and to respond in concrete ways with creativity and courage.
Finally, the Pope stressed, “please continue to make life a gift of love and joy”.
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