This morning (Wednesday), His Holiness Pope Tawadros II held a meeting with the priests of the Diocese of Milan, in the presence of their bishop, His Grace Bishop Antonio, and His Grace Bishop Luka (Bishop of Southern France and the French sector of Switzerland). The monk Father Kirollos Anba Bishoy (Director of the Papal Office) was also present.

This meeting was preceded by the Divine Liturgy, which His Holiness prayed with the participation of the priests and their wives.

In his sermon during the meeting, His Holiness spoke to them about the subject of “joy” due the occasion of the period of the Holy 50 Days. He indicated that the most important thing in the Resurrection is the spirit of renewal that prevailed as a result of it. The fathers the apostles wrote their gospels and epistles in the light of the Resurrection.

He added: The disciples lived with Christ and passed on this spirit to others. This can be summarized into three main points:

1- Joy: “Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20).
His Holiness asked: Are you joyful in your service, or is it just a routine?! When joy is from the heart, it is felt by everyone. Our feelings of the Resurrection are reflected in our service, our words, our life and our behaviors.
Joy comes through thanksgiving, “Giving thanks always” and prayer, “Pray without ceasing,” until we reach “Rejoice always.”
One of the fathers said, “Why are you looking sad whilst spiritually striving ?”

We must sow joy in the hearts so when we are exposed to problems, we face them with the joy of having hope for a solution.

2) The Spirit of Supporting the Weak:
Christ supported Thomas in his weakness and proved His resurrection to him, saying: “Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27) Thomas cried out: “My Lord and my God,” becoming the first of the disciples to declare his faith. Man is weak, and the Church’s skill is to support and strengthen, just as Christ did with Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, The Samaritan woman… etc. No matter how great a person’s position, he is weak and in need of strength.

3) The Spirit of Encouraging those with Low Self-Esteem
Those with low self-esteem are like children who need encouragement, and adults too. An example of this is Mary Magdalene who fell into despair over the death of Christ. She did not expect that Christ would appear to her risen, assigning her with the task of preaching the Resurrection to the disciples.

His Holiness concluded: May God protect the fathers and their families, and may you always be joyful.
His Holiness presented some gifts to the priests and their families, and they took memorial photos with him.

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