Full text: Catechesis of Pope Leo's first general audience
God sows His Word on all hearts, trusting it will grow — hope rooted in His mercy and love, even through life's struggles May 22, 2025
Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives for his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
This is the text of the catechesis and appeal from Pope Leo XIV's first general audience, given May 21, in the Paul VI Hall.Dear brothers and sisters,
I am pleased to welcome you in this, my first general Audience. Today, I will resume the cycle of Jubilee catecheses, on the theme 'Jesus Christ Our Hope', initiated by Pope Francis.
Let us continue today to meditate on the parables of Jesus, which help us to regain hope, because they show us how God works in history. Today I would like to dwell on a parable which is somewhat peculiar, because it is a sort of introduction to all the parables. I refer to that of the sower (cf. Mt. 13:1-17). In a certain sense, in this account we can recognize Jesus' way of communicating, which has a great deal to teach us for proclaiming the Gospel today.
Every parable tells a story that is taken from everyday life, yet wants to tell us something more, to refer us to a deeper meaning. The parable raises questions in us; it invites us not to stop at appearances. Before the story that is told or the image that is presented to me, I can ask myself: where am I in this story? What does this image say to my life? In fact, the term 'parable' comes from the Greek verb paraballein, which means to throw in front of. The parable throws before me a word that provokes me and prompts me to question myself.
The parable of the sower talks precisely about the dynamic of the word of God and the effects it produces. Indeed, every word of the Gospel is like a seed that is thrown on the ground of our life. Jesus uses the image of the seed many times, with different meanings. In chapter 13 of the Gospel of Matthew, the parable of the sower introduces a series of other short parables, some of which talk precisely about what is happening on the terrain: the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, the treasure hidden in the field. What, then, is this soil? It is our heart, but it is also the world, the community, the Church. The word of God, in fact, makes fruitful and provokes every reality.
At the beginning, we see Jesus who leaves the house and gathers a great crowd around him (cf. Mt. 13:1). His word fascinates and intrigues. Among the people there are obviously many different situations. The word of Jesus is for everyone, but it works in each person in a different way. This context allows us to understand better the meaning of the parable.
A rather unusual sower goes out to sow, but does not care where the seed falls. He throws the seeds even where it is unlikely they will bear fruit: on the path, on the rocks, among the thorns. This attitude surprises the listener and induces him to ask: how come?
We are used to calculating things – and at times it is necessary – but this does not apply in love! The way in which this 'wasteful' sower throws the seed is an image of the way God loves us. Indeed, it is true that the destiny of the seed depends also on the way in which the earth welcomes it and the situation in which it finds itself, but first and foremost in this parable Jesus tells us that God throws the seed of his Word on all kinds of soil, that is, in any situation of ours: at times we are more superficial and distracted, at times we let ourselves get carried away by enthusiasm, sometimes we are burdened by life's worries, but there are also times when we are willing and welcoming. God is confident and hopes that sooner or later the seed will blossom. This is how he loves us: he does not wait for us to become the best soil, but he always generously gives us his word. Perhaps by seeing that he trusts us, the desire to be better soil will be kindled in us. This is hope, founded on the rock of God's generosity and mercy.
In telling the way in which the seed bears fruit, Jesus is also talking about his life. Jesus is the Word, he is the Seed. And the seed, to bear fruit, must die. Thus, this parable tells us that God is ready to 'waste away' for us and that Jesus is willing to die in order to transform our life.
I have in mind that beautiful painting by Van Gogh, The sower at sunset. That image of the sower in the blazing sun also speaks to me of the farmer's toil. And it strikes me that, behind the sower, Van Gogh depicted the grain already ripe. It seems to me an image of hope: one way or another, the seed has borne fruit. We are not sure how, but it has. At the centre of the scene, however, is not the sower, who stands to the side; instead, the whole painting is dominated by the image of the sun, perhaps to remind us that it is God who moves history, even if he sometimes seems absent or distant. It is the sun that warms the clods of earth and makes the seed ripen.
Dear brothers and sisters, in what situation of life today is the Word of God reaching us? Let us ask the Lord for the grace always to welcome this seed that is His Word. And if we realize we are not a fruitful soil, let us not be discouraged, but let us ask him to work on us more to make us become a better terrain.
Appeal of the Holy Father
The situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly worrying and painful. I renew my heartfelt appeal to allow the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities, the heart-rending price of which is being paid by children, the elderly and the sick.--ucanews.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- Herald Malaysia
Pope Leo at Pentecost Vigil: God intends all to live as one
Pope Leo leads a Pentecost Vigil prayer service for pilgrims taking part in the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and new Communities. Jun 09, 2025 The 'wide-open' embrace of St Peter's Square (@Vatican Media) By Christopher WellsSome 70,000 pilgrims from more than 100 countries took part in the Vigil of Pentecost in Saint Peter's Square Saturday evening, as part of the festivities for the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities. After a 'pre-Vigil' consisting of prayer, song, and witness testimonies, the jubilant crowd of pilgrims was joined by Pope Leo, who led a Liturgy of the Word focused on the unity that is a gift of the Holy Spirit. 'St Peter's Square, with its wide-open and welcoming embrace, magnificently expresses the communion of the Church,' which is experienced in the various groups present, Pope Leo said his homily. Synodality unites us to all The Holy Father went on to highlight the concept of synodality, rooted in the communion of the three Persons of the Trinity and as 'God-with-us'; and pointing to the future. Where the Spirit is, the Pope said, 'there is movement, a journey to be made.' Pope Leo explained that this journey unites us to all of humanity, with the Holy Spirit teaching us to walk in unity, in contrast to the violence and division that marks our world. 'The earth will rest, justice will prevail, the poor will rejoice and peace will return,' he said, once we no longer act as predators, but as pilgrims; no longer each of us for ourselves, but walking alongside one another.' 'God created the world so that we might all live as one,' the Pope continued, explaining that 'Synodality' is the term the Church uses to describe this unity. 'Evangelization is always God's work' Finally, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the work of evangelization, which does not mean trying to take over the world, but refers instead to 'the infinite grace that radiates from lives transformed by the Kingdom of God.' Evangelization, then, can be understood as the way of the Beatitudes, the path chosen by Jesus. To follow that Path, Pope Leo said, 'we have no need of powerful patrons, worldly compromises, or emotional strategies. Evangelization is always God's work.' The Holy Father encouraged members of ecclesial movements to be attached to their particular Churches and their local parish communities. 'Together with the bishops and in cooperation with all the other members of the Body of Christ, all of us will then work together harmoniously as one,' he said; and then, 'the challenges facing humanity will be less frightening, the future will be less dark, and discernment will be less complicated… if together we obey the Holy Spirit.'--Vatican News
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Singaporean battles survivor's guilt decade after Kinabalu quake
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Diana Liu Text Size: Emyr (left) and Prajesh at Mount Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu: Singaporean Emyr Uzayr Mohamed Sadri survived the deadly Mount Kinabalu earthquake that claimed 18 lives in 2015. But unlike others who may rejoice at the thought of being alive, he has yet to overcome survivor's guilt despite receiving counselling. Advertisement The 21-year-old finance student at the National University of Singapore simply gets on his feet and starts running whenever the memories come back. 'I will just run,' he said, when he returned to climb Mount Kinabalu again to complete the ascent on behalf of the 10 schoolmates who did not make it that fateful day 10 years ago. Back in 2015, Emyr and colleagues were on a school expedition under the Omega Challenge programme when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mount Kinabalu, triggering a deadly rockfall that killed 18 people. Only 11 then, Emyr recalled the moment he thought he would not make it alive. Advertisement 'What I saw was too much for an 11-year-old. Thousands of rocks were falling at high speeds, some as big as vans. There was no way to escape. I looked around and saw everything, fully aware that it was only a matter of time before I would pass on. 'I knew time was running out. That was when I made my declaration of faith and prayed. Fortunately, I survived,' he said. Surviving posed questions over the years. 'How did I survive? My friends were kinder, smarter and had more potential in life than me. 'This thought stayed with me for 10 years. Personally, I feel like it is something you cannot really eradicate. 'So I look at it in positive light. I see that my friends were God's favourite. The saying, God takes the finest souls first. I agree with that. That statement actually rings true,' he said. The Omega Challenge programme has been discontinued, but their school continues to honour the victims with a dedicated memorial section. He started running at 17 before he served National Service as an officer. He took up the sport as a form of therapy and has since completed the full 42km race at the Standard Chartered Marathon last year. He also runs an antique business named which allows him to share his passion for history and educate others about vintage artefacts. Emyr said one way he overcome the guilt is by looking at things differently, instead of lamenting about why he survived. 'I take it that I was given a second chance to spread kindness. To live my life in a positive way. Maybe to inspire a few people. And to live life with no regrets,' he said. He volunteers at meet-the-people sessions, help residents raise and resolve community issues and is also involved with the M3 Foundation, which supports lower-income families, especially within the Malay community. On May 20, Emyr and fellow survivor Prajesh Dhimant Patel returned to Mount Kinabalu to complete the ascent they were forced to abandon a decade ago. 'This is my first return to Sabah after the tragedy. I always wanted to go back to finish what we started. 'This time, we did climb to the summit and I definitely felt overjoyed, but there was some sadness in me because my friends passed on and I could not finish this climb with them,' Emyr said. 'We were truly devastated. We thought it would be a failed mission after 10 years. But the crew from Amazing Borneo actually came up with a plan to extend the trip. 'Something I did not really think of. They tried their best, they asked around, and eventually we did get the extension,' he said. Emyr carried messages from his late friends' classmate to read at the Kinabalu Earthquake Memorial. 'They wanted to express their gratitude to the deceased for being kind people to them,' he said. As for the mail he posted through the mountain mailbox for his future self, he said what he wrote was basically a reminder to not set such high expectations. 'I tend to strive for the best, which is good, but sometimes I need to take a step back and breathe, so I do not stress myself too much. I reminded myself to pat myself on the back once in a while,' he said. Emyr wishes to find the mountain guide who saved his life. I really want to find out who actually saved me. 'Because there was this guy who actually cut my rope and told me to get to safety. And I still don't know who he is. 'Because of the rock fall, a lot of dust entered my eyes. It was really blurry back then, so I cannot recall how he looked like at all. 'I want to tell him that I am really thankful for what you have done. You could have just walked away, but you went out of your way to save me, I am forever indebted to you,' he said. Comparing safety requirement for climbers then and now, Emyr said a lot more safety precautions are put into place nowadays. 'There are more railings and more regular patrols by mountain climbers. The guides go out of their way to care for you. 'They really ask you questions like, 'Are you okay?' If you are not okay, they have other ways to help you.' Emyr said he might one day bring the other survivors to complete the Via Ferrata Walk the Torq, the very route where he lost his friends and teachers during their school trip. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Muslims urged to reflect on true meaning of Aidiladha
PETALING JAYA: As Muslims in Malaysia and worldwide celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha today, scholars urge believers to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning of the festival, especially the values of selflessness, trust in God and compassion. Known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice', Aidiladha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, who showed unwavering faith and submission to God's command in a profound test. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, and just as he was about to do so, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram. Federal Territories deputy mufti Jamali Mohd Adnan said the story is not merely historical but a powerful lesson in obedience and trust. 'It commemorates the absolute obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah's command as well as the willingness of him and his son to undergo one of the greatest tests in their lives. 'This is a spiritual lesson that should shape the character and soul of every Muslim.' One key ritual is korban, the slaughter of livestock like cows, goats or sheep, with the meat distributed to the poor. Jamali said while this may seem like tradition, it is rooted in generosity and social responsibility. 'The korban calls on us to avoid selfishness and instead share our blessings with those less fortunate. As stated in Surah al-Hajj, verse 36: 'So eat of them and feed the needy who do not ask and the beggar.' 'This value strengthens Islamic brotherhood, and as the Prophet Muhammad said, 'he is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbour goes hungry'. 'These teachings remind believers not to be comfortable while others suffer. Empathy and community care should continue beyond the festival.' International Islamic University Malaysia Department of Quran and Sunnah Studies assistant professor Dr Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin said Aidiladha revives the Islamic principle of Tawhid (the belief in the oneness of God) and total submission to His will. 'It reflects absolute submission, with Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to obey without protest when commanded to sacrifice his son, and Ismail's acceptance of his father's vision as divinely inspired.' He said in a world where religion is often sidelined, Aidiladha reminds believers that faith must remain central, not peripheral. 'The distribution of meat, shared with others and not solely consumed by the owner, symbolises that blessings are not meant to be hoarded, but shared. 'True enjoyment of divine favours lies in generosity and collective gratitude.' He urged young Muslims to engage sincerely with the festival's meaning, beyond social media awareness. 'We want to see them dedicate themselves, whether by saving up to contribute to korban or reflecting deeply on the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim, Ismail and Prophet Muhammad.' Abu Hafiz also highlighted that Prophet Ibrahim faced many trials. His patience, perseverance and hope offer lessons for all. 'At over 80 years, Prophet Ibrahim was blessed with children after years of prayer. Though the answer came late, he never lost hope. 'His story reminds us that delays are not denials, and Allah's promises come to those who persist with faith.' He said in times of economic pressure and personal anxiety, Muslims can draw inspiration from the values of Aidiladha.
