By Charles Igwe
During his general audience on February 5, Pope Francis continued his reflections on Jesus Christ Our Hope, emphasizing that love is the driving force behind the sharing of faith, as exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Due to a cold, the Pope was unable to read his prepared catechesis and instead entrusted an aide to deliver his message inside the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall.
Reflecting on St. Luke’s Gospel account of the Visitation, he stated, “The Virgin Mary visits St. Elizabeth, but above all, it is Jesus, in his mother’s womb, who visits his people (cf. Lk 1:68). Mary rises and sets out on a journey, just as those called by God do throughout the Bible.”
The Pope underscored how the readiness of biblical figures to respond to God’s call, despite uncertainties, remains a defining act of faith. “This young daughter of Israel does not withdraw from the world in fear,” he noted. “She does not shy away from dangers or the opinions of others but instead moves toward others in love.”
He urged Christians to embrace God’s love, describing it as “a force that sets love in motion” and inspiring believers, like Mary, to extend that love to others. “Mary is compelled by this love, reaching out to help Elizabeth—her relative and an elderly woman facing the challenges of a late-in-life pregnancy,” he said.
Beyond offering assistance, the Virgin Mary also visits Elizabeth to proclaim her faith in “the God of the impossible” and her hope in His promises.
Pope Francis further highlighted the significance of Mary’s humility, expressed in her Magnificat, and its profound place in salvation history. “Mary does not seek to stand apart, but to be in harmony with the faith of her forefathers,” he said. “She sings of past graces, yet she is also the woman of the present, carrying the future within her.”
Concluding his address, the Holy Father urged the faithful to welcome Mary into their lives and trust in the fulfillment of God’s promises. “By following her example, may we all discover that every soul that believes and hopes conceives and brings forth the Word of God,” he said.
He also called for prayers for peace in Ukraine and other nations affected by war, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in hope and love.
