Pope makes invitation to place suffering before God

February 1, 2012. (Romreports.com) Following his catechesis on prayer during the general audience, Benedict XVI reflected on the prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Olives.

He recalled that in Gethsemane, Jesus prays not for his will, but rather the will of God. It's something that's remembered every time the 'Our Father' prayer is recited.


Benedict XVI
“We now turn to the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane, the Garden of Olives, following the Last Supper. As the Lord prepares to face his death, he prays alone, as the eternal Son in communion with the Father.”

During the audience, the pope stressed the importance of praying for those who are suffering. He also notes how Jesus suffered on the Cross, and by doing so, he demonstrates his human side.

Benedict XVI
“Christ's prayer reveals his human fear and anguish in the face of death, and at the same time shows his complete obedience to the will of the Father.”

Some 2,500 people listened to the pope in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall. Among them were one hundred bishops from Europe, Africa and Asia that work together with the Community of St. Egidio.