Vatican City, Mar 24, 2019 / 06:09 am
The mercy of God is not an invitation to "spiritual laziness," but requires a sincere and prompt response from those who want to grow in holiness, Pope Francis said Sunday.
"Despite the barrenness which sometimes marks our existence, God has patience and offers us the possibility of changing and making progress on the path of good," the pope said March 24.
However, the chance for conversion is not limitless, he said. "We can rely heavily on God's mercy, but without abusing it. We must not justify spiritual laziness but increase our commitment to respond promptly to this mercy with sincerity of heart."
In his address before the Angelus, the pope reflected on the call to conversion, as depicted in the parable of the fig tree in the day's Gospel.