IT was sad to “see Christians in the armchair”, paralysed by life’s mediocrities, and asleep to the Gospel message, Pope Francis said at his angelus yesterday in St Peter’s Square.
The Gospel spoke of Jesus’ return at the end of time, announcing “bleak and distressing events” but still Jesus said not to be afraid.
Pope Francis said Jesus encourages Christians to “stand up straight and raise our heads” because when things hit rock-bottom, He will save us.
The pope posed the question, how do we raise our heads and not become absorbed by suffering and defeat?
He said Jesus pointed the way with a strong reminder – “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy… Be vigilant at all times and pray” (Lk 21:34, 36).
“Vigilance means this – not to allow our hearts to become lazy or our spiritual life to soften into mediocrity,” Pope Francis said.
“Be careful because we can become ‘sleepy Christians’ – and we know there are many Christians who are asleep, who are anesthetised by spiritual worldliness – Christians without spiritual fervour, without intensity in prayer, without enthusiasm for mission, without passion for the Gospel; Christians who always look inwards, incapable of looking to the horizon.
“And this leads to ‘dozing off’: to move things along by inertia, to fall into apathy, indifferent to everything except what is comfortable for us.
“This is a sad life going forward this way since there is no happiness.”
He said it is a good moment to ask yourself, “What weighs on my heart? What weighs on my spirit? What makes me go to sit in the lazy chair?”
He warned Christians not to fall into apathy, which robs the soul of its joy.
“And let us add an essential ingredient: the secret to being vigilant is prayer,” he said.
“Prayer is what keeps the lamp of the heart lit.
“This is especially true when we feel that our enthusiasm has cooled down.
“Prayer re-lights it, because it brings us back to God, to the center of things.
“Prayer reawakens the soul from sleep and focuses it on what matters, on the purpose of existence.
“Even during our busiest days, we must not neglect prayer.”
Just three words are enough to stir the heart – “Come, Lord Jesus”.
He said these words were especially important during Advent as we await His coming.
