Benedict XVI Notes Rewards of Friendship With Jesus

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 22, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI today reflected on the benefits of friendship with Jesus, noting concrete consequences of this relationship with Christ.

The Pope made this reflection at the end of the general audience when he offered his customary greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds.

"May friendship with Jesus, dear young people, be for you a font of joy and a reason to carry out challenging decisions," he said.

The Holy Father added: "For those of you who are sick, may this friendship give you comfort in difficult moments and infuse serenity into body and spirit. 

"Dear newlyweds, in the light of friendship with Jesus, strive to correspond to your vocation with reciprocal love, in openness to life and in Christian witness."