In a heartfelt message during the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis urged believers to rekindle their joy as followers of the Lord, drawing inspiration from the timeless narrative of the initial disciples' encounter with Jesus, as recounted in the Gospel of John.
Pope delved into the profound journey of the first disciples, underscoring the essence of seeking, communing with, and joyfully sharing the discovery of the Lord, akin to the transformative experience of those early followers.
Addressing the aspect of seeking the Lord, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus' poignant question to the two disciples, challenging them to introspect about their true desires and the contents of their hearts. He emphasized the Lord's call for genuine discipleship, urging individuals not to be superficial but to engage in self-examination and be receptive to the challenges posed by His Word.
Transitioning to the theme of being with the Lord, Pope highlighted the disciples' inquiry about Jesus' dwelling place, noting that their encounter led to an invitation to "come and see." This, he asserted, symbolizes the core of faith—a profound encounter with the Lord and an ongoing state of being with Him. Pope Francis emphasized the significance of staying with the Lord as the paramount objective for any disciple.
Concluding his reflections, Pope touched upon the disciples' compelling urge to share their transformative experience with others. He cited the example of Andrew, one of the disciples, who hastened to inform his brother Simon (later known as Peter) about the encounter with Jesus. Pope underscored the enduring impact of such encounters, noting that the disciples remembered the precise moment for the rest of their lives.
Encouraging believers to reconnect with the joy of their initial encounter with the Lord, Pope Francis advocated for a renewal of fervor through prayer and reflection. He invoked the intercession of Mary Most Holy, the first disciple of Jesus, to instill in believers the desire to seek Him, remain in His presence, and boldly proclaim His message.
In summary, Pope Francis's Angelus message resonates as a poignant call to rediscover the profound joy inherent in discipleship, echoing the timeless narrative of the first disciples' transformative encounter with the Lord.