Pope Leo XIV has urged Christians not to lose heart in times of difficulty, reminding them that Jesus remains present even when life feels like a storm.
Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus on August 9, the Pope reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus walking on the water and rescuing Peter after he became frightened and began to sink.
The Pope said the episode shows that “the presence of the Lord changes everything,” as the disciples discovered when Jesus came to them amid the storm.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo highlighted Jesus’ words to the frightened disciples: “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid.”
Peter initially found the courage to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus, but became afraid when he focused on the strength of the wind. As he began to sink, Jesus reached out and saved him.
For Pope Leo, the episode offers an important lesson for Christians: faith requires keeping one’s eyes fixed on Jesus, particularly when circumstances become difficult.
The experience of the disciples ultimately led them to profess their faith: “Truly you are the Son of God!”
The Pope connected this moment with another passage from Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus speaks of the power of faith that does not give way to doubt. The disciples, he said, experienced this faith as the peace of Christ reached them in the midst of the storm.
Pope Leo drew two lessons from the Gospel account. Christians should not become proud when things go well, he said, but neither should they become discouraged when their efforts appear unsuccessful or when they feel helpless in the face of problems.
“In all circumstances,” the Pope said, “Jesus does not abandon us.”
He encouraged the faithful to welcome Christ into their lives through prayer, the sacraments and listening to God’s Word. In doing so, Christians can find in Christ “peace, light, and strength” for their journey.
The Pope concluded by entrusting the faithful to the Virgin Mary, asking her to help them live with trusting faith, following her example as one who was proclaimed blessed because of her faith.
The Angelus reflection came as Christians in many parts of Asia and elsewhere continue to face social uncertainty, conflict, economic hardship and other challenges. Pope Leo’s message offered a reminder that Christian hope does not depend on the absence of storms, but on the conviction that Christ remains present in their midst.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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