As he continues his recovery at Casa Santa Marta following his release from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, 23 March, Pope Francis has offered a spiritual reflection urging the faithful to cast aside anything that hinders their openness to God’s boundless love.
The message was contained in the text prepared for the Wednesday General Audience, which the Holy See Press Office published at the Pope’s request. In light of the Pope’s ongoing convalescence—his doctors have prescribed two months of rest—the Press Office continues to distribute the Pope’s catecheses, as it did during his recent hospitalization.
A Gospel Encounter: The Rich Young Man
In this week’s catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on the encounter between Jesus and the rich man, recounted in Mark 10:17–22. The man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to follow the commandments, sell all he owns, give to the poor, and follow Him. Overwhelmed, the man walks away sad.
The Pope emphasized that this Gospel passage highlights the possibility of true happiness that Jesus offers, rooted in love and grace.
“Jesus loved him,” the Pope pointed out, noting that Christ’s gaze is not one of judgment but of unconditional love. “Jesus loves this man even before inviting him to follow,” he said. “He loves him just as he is.”
“We are truly happy,” Pope Francis affirmed, “when we realize we are loved this way: freely, by grace.”
Letting Go of What Weighs Us Down
Pope Francis drew attention to the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ invitation to “sell everything.” He urged the faithful not to seek fulfillment in recognition, affection, or material security, but to let go of what weighs them down—emotionally, spiritually, and materially.
“To fill the emptiness inside us,” the Pope said, “we must not try to buy love or esteem; rather, we must free our hearts by ‘selling’ whatever burdens us.”
He lamented that the rich man remained alone, “anchored in port by the weight of his possessions.” The Pope reminded believers:
“Sometimes we think things are treasures, but they are only burdens holding us back.”
A Prayer for the Hesitant and Sad
Concluding his message, Pope Francis invited the faithful to entrust to the Heart of Jesus all those who are struggling, particularly “those who are sad and undecided.” He prayed that they may experience “the loving gaze of the Lord, who looks into our hearts with tender compassion.”
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