World News
Christians must ask God for help when faith is in doubt, pope says
Published: September 27, 2006
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians must have the courage to ask God for help and encouragement when their faith is troubled or shaken by uncertainty, Pope Benedict XVI said. It is often difficult to understand what God is teaching or asking of his children, the pope said during his Sept. 27 weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. But, he said, people must find "the courage to say, 'I don't understand you, Lord. Listen to me. Help me understand.'" Christians have "the right, so to speak, to ask Jesus for an explanation," the pope said, and asking for further clarification "is the true way to pray and speak with Jesus." Not only does this show that believers realize their own limited ability to understand God's greater plan, but it also demonstrates their faith in receiving "enlightenment and strength" from God who can grant them, he said. In an address to some 30,000 pilgrims from all over the world, the pope continued a series of talks on the apostles, this time reflecting on the life and example of Thomas.
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