"It is his last request before the Passion, the most heartfelt: that there be communion in the Church. Communion is essential."
The Pope warned against specific temptations that harm the Church.
"God's and man's enemy, the devil, is no match for the Gospel. He cannot compete against the humble power of prayer and the Sacraments, but can do much harm to the Church by tempting our humanity," the Pope continued.
"The devil provokes pride, being judgmental of others, he causes closures and divisions. He himself is 'the divider" and often starts off by making us believe that we are good, perhaps better than others: thus the land is ready for the sowing of discord. It is the temptation of all communities and can it can insinuate itself even in the most beautiful charism."
Pope Francis reflected on the "new glory" of Christ. While worldly glory comes from secular importance, admiration, and success, God's glory is revealed on the Cross. This glory "shines out" and wins no gain or applause.
"This is the only glory that makes the Gospel fruitful," the Pope said, adding that the Church is fruitful only when it imitates God's merciful love.
"It is humble, it's like the rain on the earth, like the air we breathe, like a small seed that bears fruit in silence."
God so loved the world that he sent his Son, Pope Francis recalled from the Gospel of John.
"He who loves does not stay away, but goes towards," he said. "God is not attracted by worldliness, in fact, he detests it; but he loves the world he has created, and he loves his children in the world, just as they are, wherever they live, even if they are 'far away'."
"Show the children the tender gaze of the Father and consider the realities you will encounter as a gift," he continued. He encouraged the Neocatechumenal Way members to become familiar with local cultures and languages and respect local customs, "recognizing the seeds of grace which the Spirit has already spread."
If the good news of the Gospel is not at the forefront, he warned, "faith risks becoming a cold and lifeless doctrine."
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The Pope also thanked the Neocatechumenal Way for their efforts to evangelize as families, calling this "a proclamation of life" and "a beautiful witness."