Angelus July 28, 2024 Pope Francis

1 day ago
From St. Peter's Square: The Angelus prayer with Pope Francis
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The full text of catechesis
Dear brothers and sisters, have a nice Sunday!

Today's Gospel tells us about the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fish (cf. Jn 6:1-15). A miracle, that is, a "sign" whose protagonists perform three gestures that Jesus will repeat at the Last Supper. And what are these gestures? Offering, giving thanks and sharing.

First: offer. The Gospel tells us about a little boy who has five barley loaves and two fish (cf. Jn 6:9). It is with this gesture that we recognize that we have something good to give, and we say "yes" – even if what we have is too little compared to what is needed. And this is also emphasized at the celebration of Mass, when the priest offers bread and wine on the altar and everyone offers himself – his life. A gesture that may seem small when we think of the immeasurable needs of humanity – like these five loaves and two fish for a crowd of thousands. God, however, makes them the material for the greatest miracle there is: the miracle in which he makes himself present in our midst, for the salvation of the world.

And this explains the second gesture: thanksgiving (cf. Jn 6:11). The first gesture is offering, the second is thanksgiving. So to say to the Lord with humility, but also with joy: "All that I have, Lord, you have given me. And to thank you, I can only give you back what you gave me first, along with your Son Jesus Christ – and add to what I have. Everyone can add something. What can I give to the Lord? What can I give him - no matter how small? My weak love". To give... and tell the Lord, "I love you," but we poor people, our love is so small. But we must give them to the Lord, and the Lord will accept them. Offering, giving thanks and sharing.

At Mass, it is communion when we come together to the altar to receive the Body and Blood of Christ: the fruit of the gift of all, which the Lord transforms into food for all of us. It is a beautiful moment, the moment of communion that teaches us to live every gesture of love as a gift of grace, both for the one who gives it and for the one who receives it.

So, brothers and sisters, let us ask ourselves: Do I really believe that by the grace of God I have something unique to give to my brothers and sisters—or do I feel that I am anonymous, "one among many"? Am I the protagonist of something good that I have to give? Am I grateful to the Lord for the gifts with which He continues to show His love for me? And when I share something with others, do I perceive it as a moment of encounter and mutual enrichment?

May the Virgin Mary help us to live every Eucharistic celebration in faith and to recognize and rejoice in the "miracles" of God's grace every day.

(Vatican News - SCR)