Vatican Radio: Pope Benedict XVI: Be transformed by God's grace

Pope Benedict XVI, commenting on Sunday’s Gospel during his Angelus message, invited all people to surrender to the Lord, and allow themselves to be transformed by grace, and to renew their way of thinking.

Speaking to thousands of pilgrims in the courtyard of the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father said when the goal of a person’s life is aimed at social success and personal well-being, the person is no longer thinking with God, but with man.

The Pope explained the Christian follows the Lord when he accepts his cross with love, knowing Jesus is sharing in his journey of self-giving.

After the Angelus, Pope Benedict greeted the new seminarians at Rome’s North American College.

“Dear Seminarians, do not be afraid to take up the challenge in today’s Gospel to give your lives completely to Christ,” he said. “Indeed, may all of us be generous in our commitment to him, carrying our cross with faith and courage.”