“Absurd to think you can live with Jesus without the Church”

Cardinal Sodano tells Pope Francis that the cardinals wanted to join him for Mass “to thank God for the gifts he’s given you so far.” First reading at Mass for feast of St. George Acts 11:19-26; how the Gospel was spread by first Christians despite persecution. Cardinals with pope in Pauline Chapel of Apostolic Palace for Mass on feast of St. George, martyr. Gospel for feast of St. George, John 10:22-30. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me.” It’s absurd to think you can live with Jesus, but without the church. The missionary expansion of the church began precisely at a time of persecution. The church’s journey always takes place between the Cross and the Resurrection, between persecution and new growth.