In his Jan. 25 Angelus address, Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to boldly proclaim the Gospel even in unfavorable circumstances, reflecting that “the Gospel calls us to dare to trust” God’s plan and timing.
Citing the Gospel reading (Mt 4:12–23), the pontiff pointed to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry as an example of fulfilling God’s will in every circumstance. He noted that Jesus began preaching “when he heard that John had been arrested.”
“He began, therefore, at what might appear to be an inopportune moment,” Pope Leo said. “John the Baptist had just been imprisoned, and the leaders of the people were seemingly reluctant to embrace the newness of the Messiah. Apparently, it was a time that called for caution.”
However, Pope Leo emphasized that “It was precisely in this dark situation that Jesus began to bring the light of the Good News: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
The pontiff called for the faithful to emulate Jesus’ example and cautioned against using unfavorable circumstances or interior struggles as excuses to avoid making a decision or proclaim the Gospel. He said making the choice to remain silent carries the risk of becoming “paralyzed by indecision or imprisoned by excessive prudence,” but reminded the faithful that they are called to trust God and his plan.
“God is at work at all times; every moment is “God’s time,” even when we do not feel ready or when the situation seems unfavorable,” Pope Leo said.
In addition to reflecting on when Jesus began his public ministry, the pontiff also addressed where it took place. The Gospel says that Jesus “left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum,” a center of trade in Galilee that Pope Leo described as a “place of encounter” and diverse experiences. Pope Leo reminded the faithful that God draws everyone to himself and “comes not only for the ‘pure,’ but enters fully into the complexity of human situations and relationships.”
“As Christians, therefore, we too must overcome the temptation toward isolation. The Gospel must be proclaimed and lived in every setting, serving as a leaven of fraternity and peace among all individuals, cultures, religions and peoples,” Pope Leo concluded.
After the address, Pope Leo noted that this Sunday marks the Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis seven years ago to promote the study of Sacred Scripture. Pope Leo also issued a call for world peace, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.