Be God's Friends

To be prophets in today's world, women religious must cultivate an intimate friendship with God.

The Pope said that on May 7, in an audience with a group of 794 superiors-general of women's religious congregations, gathered in a plenary assembly for the week.

"The 'prophet' first listens and contemplates, then speaks, letting himself be totally infused with that love for God that fears nothing and is stronger than death."

"An authentic prophet, therefore, is not overly worried about doing works, which is undoubtedly important, but not essential. The prophet tries, above all, to be a witness of God's love, trying to live it in today's world, even if his presence is considered 'uncomfortable' to some, because it offers and incarnates alternative values. Only union with God can cause and strengthen the 'prophetic' role of your mission, which consists in the 'proclamation of the heavenly kingdom,' an indispensable proclamation in every age and society.

Benedict XVI encouraged the superiors to make their primary concern that of helping "your fellow sisters to search for Christ and place themselves in generous service to the Gospel."

"Do not give in to the temptation of distancing yourselves from intimacy with your heavenly Spouse by letting yourselves be captured by the concerns and problems of everyday life. Do not tire of making every possible effort for the human, cultural and spiritual formation of those entrusted to you, so that they will be able to respond to the modern cultural and social challenges."

(from Zenit)
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