Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has urged Christians not to lose heart when their efforts to spread goodness are misunderstood or rejected, saying that Christian joy is a gift from God that should be shared with others for the salvation of the world.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, October 11, the Pope reflected on Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast, which was the Gospel reading for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. He explained that genuine joy naturally moves people to share their happiness with others, even when their intentions are not welcomed or appreciated.
Drawing on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Pope recalled the principle that goodness naturally tends to spread. He said that, just as the king in the parable wanted others to share in the celebration prepared for his son, people also wish to share the good things in their lives with those around them.
However, the story also shows that such invitations do not always receive a positive response. Some people reject the king’s messengers, insult them and even kill them. Pope Leo noted that similar experiences can occur in everyday life when acts of kindness and efforts to do good are misunderstood, ignored or unappreciated.
He encouraged Christians not to allow rejection to discourage them from continuing their efforts. Instead, they should remain committed to sharing their joy and welcoming others, following the example of the king in the parable.
The Pope also reflected on the meaning of the story's main characters, recalling the interpretation of St. Jerome, the fifth century biblical scholar. In this understanding, the king represents God the Father, the bridegroom represents Jesus Christ, and the bride represents the Church.
Pope Leo explained that Christians are not simply observers of the story but are personally involved in it through their relationship with Christ and their membership in the Church. They are called to share their lives with the Lord and bring His life and love to others.
He described the wedding feast as an invitation that continues to be extended to people today. Churches and homes, he said, are places where people can experience the love of Jesus Christ, who continues to invite them to respond to Him.
Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo emphasised that Christian joy is not artificial or distant from ordinary life. Rather, it is deep, practical and genuine, expressed through the everyday experiences and relationships that shape human lives.
He pointed to the work people do, their smiles and tears, handshakes and acts of kindness as examples of how this joy becomes visible. Such simple experiences, he said, reveal the beauty and authenticity of Christian joy.
The Pope described this joy as a gift from God intended not only for individual believers but also for the good of the wider world, encouraging Christians to share it through their daily actions and relationships.