Wednesday Papal Audience

"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, I would like to highlight the ecclesial nature of liturgical prayer. The liturgy is a “participation in Christ’s own prayer addressed to the Father in the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1073). The Church, as Christ’s Mystical Body and united with him, offers worship to the Father. 

By identifying ourselves with Christ in his prayer to the Father, we rediscover our deepest identity as Christians, as children of “Our Father who art in heaven”. The liturgy is also an encounter of the whole Christ, that is, with Christ and his body the Church. Thus, the liturgy is a sharing in the prayer of the living, universal community of believers in Christ. Prayer becomes the habitual realization of the presence of God, as we make the words of the Church our own, and learn to speak in her and through her. 

The Church is most truly itself in the liturgy, as it is the place where God comes to us and enters our lives.  Let us remember that the liturgy is celebrated for God, not for us; it is his work; he is its subject.  For our part, in the liturgy we must leave ourselves open to be guided by him and by his Body, the Church.  

I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims present, including the Saint Hallvard Boys' choir from Oslo.  I also welcome students from the Pontifical North American College, who are  to be ordained deacon tomorrow.  Dear ordinands, always be faithful heralds of the Gospel and generous witnesses to the love of Christ!  Upon you and your loved ones, and indeed upon all present, I invoke God’s abundant blessings.  Thank you!”