Sharing the Gospel means embracing the cross, pope says at chrism Mass
Pope Francis blesses chrism oil as he celebrates Holy Thursday chrism Mass in St. Peter s Basilica at the Vatican April 1, 2021. (CNS photo/Andrew Medichini, Reuters pool)
By Cindy Wooden • Catholic News Service • Posted April 1, 2021
VATICAN CITY (CNS) Living and preaching the Gospel always involves embracing “the cross,” whether it be in the form of misunderstanding, hostility or outright persecution, Pope Francis told Rome priests gathered for the chrism Mass.
In the life of Jesus and in the lives of his disciples today, “the hour of joyful proclamation, the hour of persecution and the hour of the cross go together,” the pope said at the Mass April 1 at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.