During his Wednesday general audience on March 27, 2024, Pope Francis reflected on the virtue of patience, emphasizing Christ’s exemplary display of patience during his Passion.
The pope highlighted how Jesus, despite facing unjust treatment, responded with meekness and forgiveness, enduring insults, physical abuse, and ultimately crucifixion without retaliation.
The Call to Patience
Pope Francis underscored that patience is not merely a virtue but a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, grounded in Christ’s own patience.
He emphasized that just as Christ exemplified patience, so too are Christians called to embody this virtue in their lives.
Cultivating Patience
Addressing the question of how to cultivate patience, the pope urged believers to adopt a broader perspective and to contemplate the Crucified One, particularly during Holy Week.
He encouraged seeing others through God’s compassionate gaze, separating their faults from their intrinsic dignity as human beings.
Challenging Instant Gratification
In his concluding remarks, Pope Francis challenged the faithful to resist the cultural trend of instant gratification and to instead nurture patience as a countermeasure against haste and impatience.
He emphasized that love, rooted in God’s own nature, is characterized by enduring patience and an absence of irritability or demands.
Reflection on the Message
The pope’s message on patience serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s example and the enduring relevance of this virtue in contemporary society.
His call to cultivate patience amidst a culture of immediacy resonates with the Christian imperative to emulate Christ’s virtues in daily life.
About the Correspondent
Matthew Santucci, a correspondent for CNA Rome based in EWTN’s Vatican bureau, provides insight into the pope’s teachings and Vatican affairs.
With a background in history and international relations, Santucci brings a nuanced perspective to his reporting, offering valuable insights into the intersection of faith and global issues.