Pope Francis asks the faithful if they have ever read an entire Gospel and to let the Word of God come closer to their hearts

Papa Francesco he presided over a celebration in St. Peter's Basilica for the fifth Sunday of the Word of God, established by him in 2019. During the homily, he invited the faithful present to reflect on the place that everyone gives to the Word of God in their lives. He stressed the importance of reading and meditating on the Bible every day, as it is the book of life. He also asked if believers have ever read an entire Gospel, since many never have.

Pope Francis urges the faithful not to remain deaf to the Word of God

In his speech, the Pope highlighted how much the God's word can transform people's hearts. He remembered some saints who were influenced by the Word of God and changed their lives thanks to it. Let's remember Saint Anthony, Saint Augustine, Saint Teresa and Saint Francis of Assisi.

The Pontiff then explained that many of us they don't experiment the same transformation because we are “deaf" to the Word of God. We are often overwhelmed by a thousand words and a thousand thoughts and we don't really listen. This is wrong because we let even the most important things, such as the Word of God, slip through instead guard and protect it.

The Word of Our Lord does not leave people closed in on themselves, but it expands the heart, overturns habits and opens new horizons. This is why it should be listened to by everyone and the church is called to be messenger and witness of God in a world that often ignores it.

Francis invited the faithful not to forget the two fundamental dimensions of prayer Christian: thelistening to the Word of God andadoration of the Lord. He urged everyone to make room for the Word of Jesus in their lives and to leave the networks and securities of the past to follow him. He explained that his word frees us from chains of the past and makes us grow in truth and charity.