Vatican City, Apr 18, 2012 / 08:35 am
The example of the early Church should inspire 21st century Christians to pray during tough times in the trust and knowledge that Jesus is “the hope which does not disappoint,” Pope Benedict XVI said.
“May we learn to see that God is present in our lives, even at moments of difficulty, and that everything, even things incomprehensible, is part of a plan of love in which the final victory over evil, sin and death is truly is that of goodness, grace, life and God,” he said April 18.
Pope Benedict was addressing over 25,000 pilgrim gathered in the sunshine of St. Peter’s Square during the traditional Wednesday General Audience. Continuing his catechesis on Christian prayer, the Pope dwelt upon an episode in the history of the early Church often referred to as “little Pentecost” which took place between Easter and Pentecost itself.
Chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles, the incident occurred after the release of Peter and John following their arrest for preaching the Gospel.