For Those Struggling With a Difficult Situation

"Precisely because evil is still lodged in many hearts and sin is the ultimate cause of personal and social disorder, of all selfishness and oppression, of violence and revenge, it is necessary for Christians to engage in fostering the task of teaching peace by practicing forgiveness. Thus they will make themselves worthy of Jesus’ beatitude: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Mt 5:9). The Gospel words we have heard are demanding, beyond human logic, but capable of bringing about that revolution of love which starts by opening the heart to forgiveness and mercy: You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mt 5:43-44). These words invite us to conversion."

"There is a way of living the Cross with bitterness and sadness, but it breaks our spirit. There is also the way of carrying the Cross as Christ did, and then we perceive clearly that it lead into glory (cf. Lk 24:26)."

"The Cross is written into man’s life. Wanting to exclude it from one’s own life is like wanting to ignore the reality of the human condition. This is how it is! We are made for life, yet we cannot eliminate suffering and trials from our personal experience. And you too, dear young people, do you not experience the reality of the Cross every day? Then when there is no peace in the family, when it becomes difficult to study, when sentiments are not reciprocated, when it is almost impossible to find work, when plans for having a family have to be delayed for financial reasons, when you must contend with illness, loneliness and when there is a risk of falling prey to a dangerous emptiness of values, is it not the Cross that challenges you?"

"There is a way of living the cross with bitterness and sadness, but it breaks our spirit. There is also the way of carrying the cross as Christ did, and then we perceive clearly that it leads into glory."

"Certainly, the highest expression of divine charity is forgiveness, which is born of love for one’s enemy. In this regard, Jesus says that there is no particular merit in loving our friends and those who do good to us (cf. Mt. 5:46-47). True merit is found in loving one’s enemy. But who would have the strength to reach such a lofty height, if he or she were not sustained by the love of God?"

"Many things can be taken from us Christians. But we will not let the cross as a sign of salvation be taken from us."

"What is the way to live and communicate Christ’s truth and joy without fear? The way, beloved, is the same way that Jesus took: the way of service, sharing and the gift of one’s own life."

"God is a rock, a fortress, a rock in which we find refuge, he is a shield and a stronghold. He is the power of salvation, who never disappoints the expectations of those who invoke him in moments of trial."

" ‘To give my life’: this is the only ideal worthy to be lived to the end, whatever the cost. This is also the way of joy, as Jesus said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35)."

"Those who become too concerned and upset about things to be done are no longer able to communicate the value contained in that action, that is, God’s love."

"Be humble instruments, simple and detached from yourselves and your activities. Be firmly bound to Christ and his words alone. Thus you will be able to scatter seeds of unity, reconciliation and dialogue in the various contexts where you live and work."

"Let us learn to forgive! The spiral of hatred and violence which stains with blood the path of so many individuals and nations can only be broken by the miracle of forgiveness."

"Through the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus changes the terms of the question. The question is not who one’s neighbor is, but rather who made himself a neighbor to the poor man who fell victim to the violence of robbers."

"Compassionate love knows no enemies, only brothers and sisters; it is universal."

"Love is beautiful when it is true, when it can stand up to the experiences and trials of life."

‘Human suffering in fact can show forth the goodness of God: the wound can become a fountain of life (cf. Jn. 19:34). The experience of suffering discourages and depresses many people, but in the lives of others it can create a new depth of humanity: it can bring new strength and new insight. The path to understanding this mystery is our faith. When faith turns to prayerful contemplation, it reveals to us all the power of the Lord’s Easter victory: ‘death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor tears nor pain’ (Rv. 21:4).’