Pope: Jesus prays, always, for each of us, even now

Even “if our prayers were only stuttering, if they were compromised by a wavering faith”, even when “our timid prayers rest on eagle wings and soar up to Heaven [. . .] It is necessary to pray more intensely, every time the road takes an uphill turn”.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis continued his catechesis on Christian prayer in today’s General Audience, dedicated to Jesus as the model of prayer for his disciples

In it, the pontiff said that Jesus prays for each of us, always, even “in the moment of sin”, even “if our prayers were only stuttering, if they were compromised by a wavering faith”, even when “our timid prayers rest on eagle wings and soar up to Heaven. Do not forget: Jesus is praying for me. Now? Now.”

The weekly meeting began a few minutes late because it took a bit longer for Francis to make his way among the faithful gathered in the San Damaso courtyard.

Francis spent more than 20 minutes walking among those present who included a group of Argentines. He shook hands, blessed people, patted children, signed pictures, notebooks, and even a Japanese flag.  Some asked him to bless or at least touch their mobile phone.

“The Gospels,” Francis said, “ show us how prayer was fundamental in the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. This already appears in the choice of who would then become the Apostles. Luke places their election in a precise context of prayer”.

“Judging from how those men were to behave, it would seem that the choice was not the best, as they all fled, they left Him alone before the Passion; but it is precisely this, especially the presence of Judas, the future betrayer, that demonstrates that those names were inscribed in God’s plan.

“Prayer on behalf of His friends continually reappears in the life of Jesus. The Apostles sometimes become a cause of concern for Him, but Jesus, as He received them from the Father, after prayer, thus He carries them in His heart, even in their errors, even when they fall. In all this we discover how Jesus was both teacher and friend, always willing to wait patiently for the conversion of the disciple.

“The highest point of this patient waiting is the ‘web’ of love that Jesus weaves around Peter. At the Last Supper he says to him: ‘Simon, Simon, behold’ - the word we heard at the beginning of the audience – ‘Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail, and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren’ (Lk 22:31-32). It is impressive to know that at that moment, during the time of weakness, Jesus’ love does not cease.

“Jesus’ love, Jesus’ prayer for each one of us does not cease, it does not cease, but rather becomes more intense, and we are at the centre of his prayer! [. . .] But in this moment, each one of us, let us think: in this moment, is Jesus praying for me? Yes. [. . .] Jesus’ prayer returns punctually in a crucial moment on His journey, that of the verification of the faith of His disciples.

“That is, the great turning points of Jesus' mission are always preceded by prayer, but not just in passing, by intense, prolonged prayer. There is always prayer in those moments. This test of faith seems to be a goal, but it is instead a renewed starting point for the disciples, because from then on, it is as if Jesus took on a new tone in His mission, speaking openly to them of His passion, death and resurrection.

“With this prospect, that gives rise instinctively to repulsion, both in the disciples and in we who read the Gospel, prayer is the only source of light and strength. It is necessary to pray more intensely, every time the road takes an uphill turn”, as indicated by the transfiguration episode that follows the announcement to the disciples of what will happen to him in Jerusalem.

“[T]his anticipated manifestation of the glory of Jesus took place in prayer, while the Son was immersed in communion with the Father and fully consented to His will of love, to His plan of salvation. And out of that prayer came a clear word for the three disciples involved: ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him’ (Lk 9:35).

“From this quick journey through the Gospel, we learn that Jesus not only wants us to pray as He prays, but assures us that, even if our attempts at prayer are completely vain and ineffective, we can always count on His prayer. We must be aware of this: Jesus prays for me.” [. . .] “In this moment [. . .] He said it Himself.”

To French-speaking faithful, he said: In these difficult times, I invite you to pray for people who doubt and to bear witness to them that Jesus never abandons us and does not cease to intercede for us with the Father.”

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• pope francis
• general audience
• jesus
• prayer
• catechesis