Vatican City, Oct 22, 2025 / 11:24 am (CNA).
Pope Leo XIV at his general audience on Wednesday said sadness and disappointments can give rise to unexpected joys and hope when one discovers that Christ “walks with us and for us” in life.
Continuing his jubilee catechesis on “Jesus Christ Our Hope” in a rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father said the mystery of Christ’s resurrection can “change one’s outlook on the world,” especially in times when one experiences a “paralysis of the soul.”
“It is the Risen One who radically changes our perspective, instilling the hope that fills the void of sadness,” he said in his Oct. 22 catechesis.
“On the paths of the heart, the Risen One walks with us and for us. He bears witness to the defeat of death and affirms the victory of life, despite the darkness of Calvary,” he continued.
In his reflection on the two disciples of Emmaus who had left “behind the hopes they held in Jesus” after his crucifixion and death, the Holy Father said the Gospel passage recorded by St. Luke can “be a gentle reminder to us when the going gets tough.”
“History still has much goodness to hope for,” he said.
Addressing thousands of pilgrims donning raincoats and holding umbrellas in St. Peter’s Square and the Via della Conciliazione, the pope said sadness, which he described as one of the “malaises of our time,” can be healed when one is able to recognize the presence of the risen Christ in our lives.
“Intrusive and widespread, sadness accompanies the days of many people,” he said. “It is a feeling of precariousness, at times profound desperation, which invades one’s inner space and seems to prevail over any impetus to joy.”
“Sadness robs life of meaning and vigor, turning it into a directionless and meaningless journey,” he added.
Noting that Christians can at times have “sadness clouds their gaze,” Leo said Jesus can rekindle their hearts with the “warmth of hope,” like what he had done through a gentle, humble, and hidden way for his two followers from Emmaus.
Toward the end of his Wednesday audience, the Holy Father urged Christians, particularly families, to be “missionaries of the Gospel” and to offer their support to those who dedicate their lives to the service of evangelization.
“Dear friends, the month of October invites us to renew our active cooperation in the Church’s mission with the strength of prayer, with the potential of married life, and with the youthful energy that is yours,” he said.
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Indeed: King Jesus Christ is THE HEALER!
At an inter-church meeting in Brisbane, focussing on Christian healing, I saw a lady, Lorna McLauglan, experience an outstanding healing. She was profoundly depressed, vision and speech impeded, and with hearing in only one ear depending on a special hearing aid. She was very reluctant to seek healing; but was only persuaded to go forward by a helper who was willing to assist her to walk.
After receivng prayer from Holy Spirit-filled assistants (a Catholic & two Protestants), she was completely healed of her depression, speech and vision impediment, and her hearing became normal. There was MUCH joy in all who witnessed this. Much glorification of The Name Above All Names – Jesus Christ, our LORD.
Out of many examples, I recommend the book: “May’s Boy” by Shirlee Monty. This recounts the miraculous healing of May Lemke’s adopted boy Leslie. As a baby, Leslie had both eyes and parts of his brain surgically removed because of a cancer. His parents did not want him. May was expected to care for this severely handicapped baby for a month or so until he died.
May, a little Catholic lady, had other plans, together with her friend, Jesus, who she calls “The Best Doctor”.
The epic story tells of how May and her husband lovingly cared for Leslie for so many years until, when he was 16, a miraculous transformation set Leslie on the path to becoming a very popular, talented concert pianist!
Check ‘Leslie Lemke’.
And there is SO much more. SO many brocken hearts healed by faith in Jesus; SO much love replacing hatreds, SO much growth in holiness through The Holy Spirit of GOD in Christ.
We will need all of eternity in Heaven to share the wonder of it all!!!