God does not belong in a special way to any one people; for it is he who calls us, convokes us, invites us to be part of his people, and this invitation is addressed to all, without distinction, for the mercy of God “desires everyone to be saved.” Jesus does not tell the apostles or us to form an exclusive group, a group of the elite. Jesus says: go out and make disciples of all peoples (see Matt. 28:19). Saint Paul says that in the people of God, in the Church, “there is no longer Jew or Greek…for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).
I would like to say to anyone who feels far away from God and the Church, to anyone who is timid or indifferent, to those who think they can no longer change: the Lord calls you to become part [of] his people and he does this with great respect and love! He invites us to be part of this people, the people of God!
POPE FRANCIS General Audience
