In his last general audience before Christmas, Pope Francis said, “Jesus reveals a God who is full of compassion and tenderness.”
He said: “We have a tender, affectionate Father who loves us, who has always loved us. When we experience this, our heart melts and doubts, fears and feelings of unworthiness are dissolved. This love is irresistible.”
The pope underlined that one could experience this tenderness and develop a close “friendship with God” by reading the Bible.
“For the believer, the Word of God is not simply a text to read. It is a living presence, a work of the Holy Spirit that comforts, instructs, gives light, strength, refreshment, and a zest for life,” Pope Francis said.
“Let us pick up the Gospel, take the Bible in our hands – 5 minutes a day … Carry a pocket-size Gospel with you, in your purse, and when you are traveling, read it a bit. Read a small passage during the day. Allow the Word of God to draw near to your heart. Do this and you will see how your lives will change, with the proximity of the Word of God,” he said.
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