Pope Francis Reflects on the Virgin Mary's Hope-Filled Life During General Audience

Vatican City, January 22, 2025: Pope Francis resumed his catechesis series on "Jesus, our hope" during his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, focusing on the theological virtue’s role in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Addressing the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father explored how Mary's hope and trust in God’s word filled her life and animated her actions.

The Pope began his catechesis by reflecting on the moment when the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary in Nazareth that she would bear the Son of God. He pointed out the significance of the angel’s greeting, "Hail, rejoice!" which is used in Scripture to announce the coming of the Messiah to the Daughter of Zion. "It is an invitation to the joy that the Lord addresses to His people when the exile ends and the Lord makes His living and active presence felt," Pope Francis explained.

He added that the angel Gabriel also uses an endearing Greek term meaning “filled with divine grace,” which indicates that God has already dwelt in Mary’s heart for some time and will continue to do so.

“He says how ‘full of grace’ she is, and above all how God’s grace has accomplished in her an inner engraving, making her His masterpiece,” said the Pope.

In his address, Pope Francis noted that the angel reassured Mary not to be afraid. "We, too," he added, "must not fear the uncertainties of life, since the Lord walks with us."

Discerning Movements of God in Her Heart

Pope Francis said the angel then announces Mary’s mission to be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah, who will be king in the “divine, spiritual manner.”

Jesus, he added, means “God saves,” offering an eternal reminder that only God has the power to save us.

Upon hearing the angel Gabriel’s announcement, Mary is shaken to the core by the invitation to bear the Son of God.

“As the intelligent woman she is, thus capable of reading into events,” said the Pope, “she tries to understand, to discern what is happening to her. Mary does not look outside, but within.”

In the depths of her heart, said Pope Francis, Mary is drawn to place her trust entirely in God.

Serving God, Revealing His Son’s Divinity

Mary’s trust in God, noted the Pope, reveals her desire to make room for God and take up “the greatest mission ever entrusted to a human being.

“She places herself in service,” he said. “She is full of all.”

Concluding his catechesis, Pope Francis urged the faithful to follow Mary’s example of hope and hospitality. “Let us learn from Mary how to hope in God’s word,” he said, “so that we, too, may become hospitable homes where hope flourishes.”

Courtesy: Vatican News