Pope Francis Urges the Faithful to Seek the Lord with Hope, Inspired by Mary and Joseph’s Journey

"Pope Francis Encourages Hopeful Faith in the Spirit of Mary and Joseph"

Pope Francis encourages the faithful to seek the Lord with hope, reflecting on Mary and Joseph's search for Jesus in the Temple.

Alex Chen6 March 2025Last Update : 14 hours ago

Pope Francis: Like Mary and Joseph, let's search for the Lord with hope

www.vaticannews.va

Pope Francis called on the faithful to seek the Lord with hope during his General Audience message, originally scheduled for March 5, 2025. Although the event was canceled, the Holy See Press Office published his reflections on the childhood of Jesus, focusing on the episode where Mary and Joseph searched for Him in the Temple.

6 Key Takeaways

Pope Francis emphasizes seeking the Lord.
Mary and Joseph exemplify hope-filled searching.
Mary's journey reflects spiritual growth.
The Blessed Mother as first disciple.
Jesus' response highlights divine mystery.
Faithful urged to pursue God with hope.

Fast Answer: Pope Francis emphasized the importance of seeking the Lord with hope, drawing parallels to Mary and Joseph’s search for Jesus in the Temple. His reflections, shared despite the cancellation of the General Audience, highlight Mary’s journey as a “pilgrim of hope” and the challenges faced by the Holy Family during this time.

Pope Francis continued his catechetical cycle on “Jesus Christ, Our Hope” by reflecting on a significant moment from Jesus’ childhood. At twelve years old, Jesus remained in the Temple, prompting Mary and Joseph to search for Him for three days. This story illustrates the anxiety and pain parents experience when they lose a child, as Mary and Joseph retraced their steps to find Him.

During his message, the Pope noted that Mary’s journey was a spiritual one, deepening her understanding of her Son’s divine mission. He described her as a “pilgrim of hope,” who nurtured and guided Jesus while also being shaped by the Word of God. Pope Francis quoted Pope Benedict XVI, who remarked on Mary’s deep connection with the Word of God, emphasizing her role as the first disciple of Jesus.

In their search, Mary and Joseph faced the fear of losing their son, believing He was with relatives during their journey. After realizing He was missing, they felt a deep sense of anxiety. When they found Him in the Temple, Jesus was engaged in discussions with the teachers of the Law, showcasing His maturity and understanding. The Pope highlighted that Mary and Joseph struggled to comprehend the divine mystery of Jesus’ mission, as He expressed His commitment to His Father’s work.

Ultimately, Pope Francis urged the faithful to emulate Mary and Joseph by seeking the Lord with hope. He reinforced the message that, like the Holy Family, believers should embrace their spiritual journeys and trust in God’s plan.

Notice: Canadian readers may find comfort in Pope Francis’ message, especially during times of uncertainty. His reflections encourage a hopeful pursuit of faith, resonating with many who seek guidance and understanding in their spiritual lives.

In conclusion, Pope Francis’ reflections remind the faithful of the importance of hope and perseverance in their spiritual journeys, drawing lessons from the experiences of Mary and Joseph as they sought Jesus in the Temple.