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 Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In today’s catechesis, we consider a married couple, Priscilla and Aquila,
who played an active part in the early Church, and particularly in the
ministry of Saint Paul. The Apostle first met them in exile in Corinth, and
then again in Ephesus and finally in Rome. At Ephesus, they instructed
Apollos in the faith and in every city they opened their home to the local
Christian community for worship. Paul praises them in his Letter to the
Romans as his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my
life, to whom not only I, but also all the churches of the Gentiles give
thanks” (Rom 16:3-4). This remarkable tribute bespeaks their great influence
in the apostolic Church and reminds us that we ourselves have received the
faith through the witness of countless committed Christians like them.
Priscilla and Aquila show us the important role played by married couples in
the life of the Church. Every home is called to become a “domestic church”
in which family life is completely centred on the lordship of Christ and the
love of husband and wife mirrors the mystery of Christ’s love for the
Church, his Bride (cf. Eph 5:25-33).
* * *
I extend a cordial welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims present at
today’s Audience, especially those from England, Ireland, China, and the
United States of America. May your visit to Rome inspire you to live the
truth of the Gospel ever more fully. Upon all of you I invoke God’s
blessings of joy and peace.
Benedict XVI
General Audience
7 February 2007 |
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