León XIV Offers the Key to Evangelization: an “Intimate Relationship” with Jesus

On a hot Sunday in Rome, as in other parts of the world, Pope Leo XIX commented during the Angelus on the Gospel the part of the Mass in which Jesus sends the disciples out on their mission (Mt 10,26-33).

The Pontiff emphasized that “the power of the apostolate, beyond techniques and tools, is based on the work of the Holy Spirit within us and on the authenticity of our response.”.

We can all seek moments of stillness and silence before God

In the *Summa Theologica*, St. Thomas Aquinas spoke of preaching as the transmission to others of what we have contemplated.

However, the Holy Father said in the Angelus, we should not think of “contemplation” as “an exclusive experience, reserved for a few saints or for monks and hermits. We can all do it by making an effort, amid our daily commitments, to set aside moments of stillness to remain in silence before God, listen to his voice, entrust our joys and concerns to him, and reflect on our lives with him.”.

“This makes us, more and more, people of solid and conscious faith,” he emphasized, and “therefore credible and free apostles—men and women capable of reflecting the light of the Gospel in every setting and in every situation of life, bearing witness to it even where its value is neither understood nor accepted.”.

To face hostility and persecution, like many Christians 

Saint Matthew—the author of the biblical passage we are referring to—wrote for communities that did not have an easy life. ”They had to face hostility and persecution—as is still the case today for many Christians in so many parts of the world—and there was also a great temptation to lose heart and let themselves be overcome by weariness or fear,” reflected Leo XIV.

Both today and yesterday, “it is difficult to remain faithful to Jesus” teachings and proclaim his Word: to respond to hatred with love, to arrogance with gentleness, and to discouragement with perseverance.”. 

For this reason, the Pope urges, “we must delve deeper into the roots of our faith and our mission through an intense relationship with Him” (cf. Francis, Apostolic Exhortation. Evangelii gaudium, 8). “This gives us the strength not to give up and to continue sharing with everyone, under any circumstances, their message of hope, love, and peace. The world needs it so much!

”May the Virgin Mary help us to be missionary disciples of the Lord Jesus, each according to his or her own vocation," Pope Leo concluded before praying the Angelus.

World Refugee Day

After the Marian prayer, the Pope noted that yesterday marked World Refugee Day, promoted by the United Nations, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. A day established “to protect those who are persecuted and forced to leave their homeland, their homes, and their families.”. 

The Pontiff hopes that “the spirit that inspired the drafting of this important international instrument will continue to enlighten the consciences of national leaders today. No one can turn a blind eye to those seeking protection and safety.”.

He also urged “everyone to welcome those who are victims of persecution, so that they may live in peace, with dignity, and look to the future with hope.”.

The Successor of Peter extended a special greeting to the members of the International Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue, as well as to the faithful of Rome and pilgrims from various countries, especially those from Brazil, offering prayers for the young people who died a few days ago in a traffic accident in the state of Ceará.