On the third day of his apostolic trip to Belgium, Pope Francis met on Saturday with the country’s bishops, priests, religious and pastoral workers at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg.
In his address, the Pope focused on the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel in all sectors of society.
Evangelization in times of crisis
The Pope spoke first about the path of evangelization, stating that the West is experiencing a crisis of faith. Instead of seeing this crisis as an obstacle, the Pope urged the Church to embrace it as an opportunity to awaken and rediscover “the ways of the Spirit.”
“This shows that we have moved from a Christianity framed in a welcoming society to a ‘minority’ Christianity, or rather, a Christianity of witness,” he said.
The joy of the Gospel
Pope Francis called on Belgian priests to love Jesus Christ and walk closely with God’s holy people, seeking harmony in diversity. He pointed to the evangelical attitude of joy, which goes beyond a passing amusement and enters into the soul to sustain our Christian lives, even in moments of darkness or pain.
“The joy of the heart is kindled by the Gospel,” he said. “It is knowing that we are not alone on our journey and that, even in situations of poverty, sin and affliction, God is near.”
At times when fidelity seems difficult, the Pope recalled that the Church’s pastoral ministers must remember where our Christian journey leads and draw strength from Christ.
The importance of mercy
The Pope stressed the importance of mercy, since God is always merciful. God the Father, he said, “never withdraws His love from us,” even when we have committed a serious sin.
In worldly terms, God’s expansive mercy seems “unjust,” but God’s justice goes further and calls everyone to “correct their mistakes.”
Pope Francis noted that the clerical sexual abuse crisis has caused “excruciating suffering and deep wounds, and has undermined even the path of faith.”
“Much mercy is needed to avoid hardening our hearts in the face of the suffering of the victims,” he said, “so that we can help them feel our closeness and offer all possible help.”
Gratitude and hope
The Pope concluded by thanking the clergy and religious of Belgium for always offering God’s mercy and allowing the light of faith to shine in the darkest moments.
“Without the Spirit, nothing Christian can take place.”
This message of joy and mercy from Pope Francis not only reinforces the Church’s commitment to Gospel values, but also reminds us of the importance of staying close to God and our brothers and sisters, especially in times of crisis and suffering.
