Pope Francis: “Let us set out to make other hearts burn with the word of God!”

“Today more than ever, our human family, wounded by so many situations of injustice, so many divisions and wars, is in need of the Good News of peace and salvation in Christ.”

Thus writes Pope Francis in message for World Mission Day 2023 published by the Vatican Press Office. The text – entitled Hearts on fire, feet on the move (cf. Lk 24:13-35)– prepares the appointment that the Church will celebrate on Sunday, 22 October 2023.  Three images taken from the pages of the Gospel: the disciples of Emmaus mark the reflection: ardent hearts for the Scriptures explained by Jesus, opened eyes to recognize him and, as a culmination, feet on the move. “Today too”, the Pope says, “the Risen Lord remains close to his missionary disciples and walks beside them, particularly when they feel disoriented, discouraged, fearful of the mystery of iniquity that surrounds them and seeks to overwhelm them.” It is his Word that illumines and transforms the heart of the mission. “It follows that knowledge of Scripture is important for the Christian life, and even more so for the preaching of Christ and his Gospel. Otherwise, what are you passing on to others if not your own ideas and projects? A cold heart can never make other hearts burn! So let us always be willing to let ourselves be accompanied by the Risen Lord as he explains to us the meaning of the Scriptures. May he make our hearts burn within us; may he enlighten and transform us, so that we can proclaim his mystery of salvation to the world with the power and wisdom that come from his Spirit.”

Read the full article on AsiaNews.