Vatican City, Jul 21, 2013 / 09:37 am
In his Sunday Angelus message, Pope Francis told crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square to unite prayer and action in Christian life.
"Prayer that doesn't lead to concrete action toward our brothers is a fruitless and incomplete prayer," the Pope said July 21. "But at the same time, when ecclesial service only attends to work, not reserving time for dialogue with God in prayer, it risks serving itself rather than God who is present in the brother in need."
He added, "prayer and action must always be profoundly united."
Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel story of Martha and Mary, the two sisters and "faithful disciples" who welcomed Jesus into their home. Martha worked to prepare a meal, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus "listening to his word."