Castel Gandolfo: Pope Leo XIV has urged the faithful to speak honestly with Jesus in prayer, even when they are confused or struggle to understand God’s plans.
Pope gave the message during his Sunday Angelus address in Castel Gandolfo, reflecting on the Gospel reading from Saint Matthew about Jesus revealing to his disciples his coming Passion, Death and Resurrection.
Pope Leo said the reaction of Saint Peter showed how difficult it can be for people to accept God’s plans when they do not match their own expectations. Peter was surprised and disappointed when Jesus spoke about his suffering and death, and he strongly objected.
Pope said this episode reflects a common human experience. People may find it difficult to understand God’s ways, particularly when they are very different from what they had hoped for. In such moments, he said, there can be a temptation to believe that God is wrong, is not listening or does not care.
Pope Leo pointed to Peter as an example of how to respond to such uncertainty. He said believers should not stop their dialogue with the Lord but should confidently express their difficulties and what they are feeling.
At the same time, the Pope urged the faithful not to judge God’s work. Instead, he encouraged them to listen with humility and prayer to what God reveals through his actions, even when those actions do not meet their expectations.
Pope Leo recalled that Jesus rebuked Peter after his objection and explained that those who follow him must deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow him.
Pope noted that Peter eventually accepted this challenge and remained faithful to Christ, whom he had recognised as his Redeemer, until his martyrdom.
Pope Leo also encouraged the faithful to develop the same sincerity and openness in their own faith and prayer. He called on them to tell Jesus honestly what they feel while also learning from Peter’s willingness to accept what the Lord asks beyond their expectations.
Pope concluded by asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to help believers through her example. He recalled that Mary remained obedient to God’s plans even at the foot of the cross of her Son, Jesus.