«May we too, like the Prophet Elijah, persevere in prayer, strive to discern God’s will every day of our lives, and come to experience, even at times of uncertainty and trial, the consolation of his presence and providential care.»
Prayer and contemplation, Francis underscored, sustained Elijah not only in moments of great success, but also when faced with persecution and adversity.
«Elijah teaches us that fervent prayer and union with God cannot be separated from concern for the needs of others,» the Holy Father said, noting: «In prayer, he grew in discernment of the Lord’s will and found the courage to denounce injustice, even at great personal cost.»
The culmination of Elijah’s experience of God in prayer, the Pope emphasized, was when the Lord appeared to him not in wind and fire, «but in a quiet whisper.»
«May we too, like the Prophet,» Pope Francis prayed, «persevere in prayer, strive to discern God’s will every day of our lives, and come to experience, even at times of uncertainty and trial, the consolation of his presence and providential care.»
The Holy Father gave special greetings to English-speaking faithful. Invoking the joy and peace of the Lord, upon all of them and their families, he said: «God bless you!»
Following the health indications of the Authorities, the General Audiences generally have been taking place in the San Damaso Courtyard starting at 9:30 a.m.
Individuals enter from the Bronze Doors of the right colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, as early as 7:30 a.m. Pilgrims are to maintain proper social distancing, sanitize hands, have temperatures taken and pass through security clearance. To reach the Courtyard of San Damaso, faithful go past the masked Swiss Guards, climb about 75 steps, before arriving at the site of the audience. It is rare for faithful and pilgrims to have access to this space.
See full text of Pope’s commentary here
