Vatican City, Feb 2, 2017 / 11:24 am
Everyone, but especially consecrated men and women, Pope Francis said Thursday, are called to be leaven in the world, bringing Christ to the people – even when it seems like the work goes unnoticed, or there is another who would do a better job.
"The Lord has called us to be leaven here and now, with the challenges we face. Not on the defensive or motivated by fear, but with our hands on the plough, helping the wheat to grow, even though it has frequently been sown among weeds," he taught during his homily at a Feb. 2 Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
The Mass celebrated the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and marked the 21st World Day of Consecrated Life.
Pope Francis said the calling of consecrated women and men is to put Christ "in the midst of people," not acting as some sort of religious activist, but as "men and women who are constantly forgiven, men and women anointed in baptism and sent to share that anointing and the consolation of God with everyone."