In his weekly General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV reassured the faithful that God’s arms are always open, no matter how delayed their response to His call may be.
Newsroom (04/06/2025 08:25 , Gaudium Press) In his weekly General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV reassured the faithful that God’s arms are always open, no matter how delayed their response to His call may be. Addressing young people in particular, he encouraged those searching for meaning in life, assuring them that God will provide answers without disappointment.
God’s Generosity Beyond Human Merit
Reflecting on Jesus’ Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), the Pope emphasized the boundless mercy of God, who rewards even those who come at the “eleventh hour.” Just as the landowner paid latecomers the same wage as those who labored all day, God does not measure His love by human standards of merit but by His infinite generosity.
“The first workers were disappointed, unable to see the beauty of the landowner’s gesture,” Pope Leo noted. “But he wasn’t unjust—he was generous. He looked not only at merit but at need.”
True Justice: Dignity and Fullness of Life
The Holy Father explained that divine justice is not about strict equality but about ensuring that all receive what they need to live fully. God, like the vineyard owner, calls each person by name, recognizes their dignity, and desires to reward them accordingly.
“God wants to give everyone His Kingdom—a life that is full, eternal, and joyful,” the Pope said. “That is what Jesus does for us: He doesn’t rank us. To anyone who opens their heart, He gives all of Himself.”
A Warning Against Spiritual Complacency
Acknowledging that some might question, “Why start working right away if the reward is the same?” Pope Leo turned to St. Augustine’s response: “Why delay when you are sure of the reward but uncertain of the day? Be careful not to deprive yourself, through hesitation, of what God promises.”
A Call to Action, Especially for the Young
In a direct appeal to the faithful—and young people in particular—the Pope urged immediate and wholehearted response to God’s call.
“Don’t wait! Respond with enthusiasm to the Lord who invites you to work in His vineyard,” he said. “Don’t postpone—roll up your sleeves! The Lord is generous, and He will not disappoint you.”
Finding Meaning in God’s Plan
By laboring in God’s “vineyard,” the Pope assured, believers will discover the answer to life’s deepest question: What is my purpose?
“Let’s not be discouraged,” he concluded. “Even in life’s darkest moments, when answers seem distant, let us ask the Lord to come and find us where we wait. He is generous—and He will come soon!”
The audience, part of the Pope’s ongoing catechesis on “Jesus Christ Our Hope” for the Jubilee Year, left pilgrims with a message of reassurance: God’s mercy is ever-present, His call is urgent, and His promise is certain.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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