Pope Francis urged the people of Indonesia to remain committed to peace and dialogue, even when facing personal and societal challenges.
During his homily at the Papal Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Sept. 5, the pontiff addressed the feelings of inadequacy that often arise when efforts do not immediately show results.
“Brothers and sisters, faced with the many responsibilities of our daily lives, together with the call we all feel to build a more just society and move forward on the path of peace and dialogue, which has long been the case in Indonesia, we can sometimes feel inadequate,” Pope Francis said.
“We sometimes feel the weight of our commitment and dedication that does not always bear fruit, or of our mistakes that seem to impede the journey we are on,” he added.
The Pope encouraged the faithful to look beyond their failures and disappointments, using the Gospel story of Saint Peter as an example.
He emphasized the need for humility and faith, urging people to trust in Jesus even after experiencing setbacks or unfulfilled efforts.
Instead of being discouraged by past difficulties, the Pope called on everyone to take the risk of trying again, just as Peter did after a night of unsuccessful labor.
“Even when we have passed through the night of failure and times of disappointment when we have caught nothing, we can always risk going out to sea and cast our nets again,” he said.
Pope Francis commended Indonesia for its continued efforts in fostering peace and dialogue. He encouraged the nation not to lose hope in its pursuit of peace, urging the people to remain steadfast in their efforts and to continue working toward unity and fraternity across the archipelago.
(Video by Oswin Wilke via Sesawi.Net)
He emphasized the importance of listening to God’s word and acting on it: “The first step, instead, is to know how to listen to the only word that saves, the word of Jesus.”
He urged Indonesians to keep working toward peace and unity, encouraging them to sow love, engage in dialogue, and demonstrate kindness and goodwill as they contribute to building a more united and peaceful society.
“Walk together for the good of the Church and society! Be builders of hope, the hope of the Gospel, which does not disappoint but instead opens us up to endless joy,” he said.
