Pope Francis concluded his series of reflections on Christian apostolic zeal with an emphasis that the mission of proclaiming the Gospel is a duty for every baptized person.
In his weekly General Audience, the Pope underscored the universal nature of this passion, urging Christians to witness and announce the Gospel to people of all nations.
The pontiff commenced the catechesis by prompting the faithful to contemplate the “Rite of the Ephphatha,” a ritual performed during the Sacrament of Baptism.
Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ miraculous healing of a deaf and mute man in Galilee, Pope Francis highlighted the significance of this biblical event, noting that it occurred in territories predominantly inhabited by pagans, symbolizing the openness of the Gospel to all.
Reflecting on the Aramaic word ‘ephphatha,’ meaning “Be opened,” uttered by Jesus during the healing, Pope Francis explained that this call is directed not only to those physically impaired but extends to all disciples throughout history.
He emphasized that Christians, having received the ‘ephphatha’ of the Spirit in Baptism, are called to be open to witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel.
Pope Francis urged Christians to reflect on their attitude, emphasizing the necessity of openness to the Word of God and service to others.
He warned against closed-mindedness, saying, “Closed Christians always end up badly because they are not Christians; they are ideologues of closure.”
The pontiff reiterated Jesus’ missionary desire, urging the faithful to embrace their baptismal call to witness and proclaim Jesus.
He encouraged a pastoral and missionary conversion, prompting individuals to ask themselves whether they genuinely love the Lord and desire to announce Him, becoming His witnesses rather than merely disciples.
