Romana

My dear children: may Jesus watch over my daughters and sons for me!

As in the Mass on the 26th of June that was broadcast via the website, let us remain united in prayer for the persons who have left us on account of the pandemic, which continues unabated in many countries. Let us also keep present in our prayer – and also, when possible, in our deeds – those who are suffering its consequences personally or in their families with medical or financial hardships. All of this helps us to experience more vividly our natural human vulnerability and the insecurity that comes from trusting solely in our own strength. These circumstances have led us to entrust ourselves more fully to God and to the help of those at our side, because we understand that being accompanied by others can truly console us.

In these brief lines, I would like us also to consider another type of vulnerability that, in one way or another, affects all of us. I am referring to the personal weakness that we sometimes experience in comparison with the marvelous challenge offered us by our faith and the spirit of the Work. This disproportion between the ideal and the reality of our own lives should never lead to discouragement or disappointment.

We can find it helpful to remember that Christ did not call his disciples because they were better than others. He was well aware of their weaknesses and (as is also true of us) of the deepest corners of their heart and of their past. Hence he could also take into account all the good that each of them was capable of doing. Jesus knew they would never be without the strength of the Holy Spirit on their path, as long as they were ready to begin again each day. My daughters and sons, although at times we may feel of very little worth, we can truthfully say: “Dominus illuminatio mea et salus mea, quem timebo?” (Ps 27:1).

Pamplona, 20 July 2020