When troubles arise, seek Jesus' help in prayer, pope says

Published: 2006-02-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When troubles arise in life or temptations appear, it is best not to try to figure out why, but to seek Jesus' help in prayer, said Pope Benedict XVI. At his weekly general audience Feb. 8, the pope quoted the advice of a sixth-century desert monk, St. Barsanuphius of Gaza, who advised another monk not to fear trouble and temptation or to worry about their source, but to hold fast to the Lord. Departing from his prepared text, the pope said, "These words ... are valid for us in our daily difficulties, problems, temptations. Do not try to conduct a theoretical reflection about their source, but do something positive: Invoke the Lord," the pope told an estimated 8,000 people overflowing the Vatican's audience hall. In the face of struggle, the pope said, "Cry out to Jesus, 'Jesus, help me.' We are certain he will hear us because he is near to those who seek him."

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