Week of April 14

"Faith is born from listening, and is strengthened by proclamation. The proclamation made by Peter and the Apostles does not merely consist of words: fidelity to Christ affects their whole lives. We should all ask ourselves: How do I bear witness to Christ through my faith? Do I have the courage of Peter and the other Apostles, to think, to choose and to live as a Christian, obedient to God? To be sure, the testimony of faith comes in very many forms, just as in a great fresco, there is a variety of colours and shades; yet they are all important, even those which do not stand out. In God’s great plan, every detail is important, even yours, even my humble little witness, even the hidden witness of those who live their faith with simplicity in everyday family relationships, work relationships, friendships. There are the saints of every day, the “hidden” saints, a sort of 'middle class of holiness.' Let us all remember this: one cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’s life. But all this is possible only if we recognize Jesus Christ, because it is he who has called us, he who has invited us to travel his path, he who has chosen us. Proclamation and witness are only possible if we are close to him."

~Pope Francis
<a href= "http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/homilies/2013/documents/papa-francesco_20130414_omelia-basilica-san-paolo_en.html" target=" blank" >HiIghlight Link</a>