Pope Leo XIV has encouraged pilgrims and Romans on the General Audience on this Wednesday morning, almost on the eve of Pentecost, to respond fearlessly to the Lord when he invites us to work in the vineyard. The appeal was addressed in a special way to young people: "Do not be afraid to work in the vineyard of the Lord! Do not delay the encounter with the One who alone can give meaning to our lives," he said.
The Pontiff did so in almost all languages, but in some cases, such as the one addressed to the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the encouragement was perhaps more accentuated. "I greet all the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims, especially those who have come from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. "Brothers and sisters, with a humble heart full of love for all, let us respond without delay to Christ's invitation," he urged. "I say this especially to the young people: do not be afraid to work in the vineyard of the Lord!" he reiterated.
Also in dark moments of life
In addressing the Spanish-speaking Pope Leo XIV He also included the people who are experiencing the greatest difficulties. And he expressed himself as follows: "I cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims, especially the groups coming from Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru and Colombia".
"I encourage you all to pray insistently to the Lord to go out to meet him, especially for young people and for those who are in a dark moment of their lives, discouraged and without a clear vision of the future. May the Master of the vineyard make his voice heard and give them the strength to respond to him with enthusiasm, I can tell you from experience that God will surprise them".
Why do you delay in following the one who calls you? (St. Augustine)
In his catechesis, which was attended by more than 35,000 people, according to the Vatican news agency, Pope Leo XIV took up the theme of the Jubilee Year, "Jesus Christ, our Hope," and centered his meditation on 'The Workers in the Vineyard.' "And he said to them, 'Go you also into the vineyard' (Mt 20:1-7)."
"God wants to give to all his Kingdom, that is, full, eternal and happy life (...). In the light of this parable, today's Christian might be tempted to think: "Why start working right away? If the remuneration is the same, why work more? "To these doubts he answered St. Augustine Saying: 'Why do you delay to follow Him who calls you, when you are sure of the reward, but uncertain of the day? Beware that you do not deprive yourself, by your procrastination, of what He will give you according to His promise.'
"Roll up your sleeves."
Further on, the Pope added: "I would like to say, especially to young people, not to wait, but to respond with enthusiasm to the Lord who calls us to work in his vineyard." "Do not put it off, roll up your sleeves, because the Lord is generous and will not disappoint you! Working in his vineyard, you will find an answer to that deep question within you: what is the meaning of my life?"
What people expect from the Church
"Let us not lose heart!" the Holy Father concluded. "Even in the dark moments of life, when time passes without giving us the answers we seek, let us ask the Lord to come out again and reach us where we are waiting for him. He is generous and will come soon!".
Before giving the Blessing, already in Italian, with his gaze fixed on PentecostDear brothers and sisters, do not tire of entrusting yourselves to Christ and proclaiming him with your life in the family and in every environment. This is what people expect from the Church even today.
