Praising God purifies the soul, is like breathing ‘pure oxygen,’ pope saysByCatholic News ServiceJan 13, 2021Pope Francis leads his weekly general audience from the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Jan 13, 2021. In his main talk, the pope focused on the importance of praising God in times of darkness and difficulty. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)VATICAN CITY — It may seem illogical, but Christians are called to give God praise — not complaints — in times of darkness and difficulty, Pope Francis said.Jesus and the saints “show us that we can always give praise, in good times and bad, because God is the faithful friend — this is the foundation of praise, he is the faithful friend and his love never fails. He is always by our side; he always waits for us,” the pope said Jan. 13 during his weekly general audience.This is why, he said, “praising God is like breathing in pure oxygen. It purifies the soul, it helps you look at the horizon” and not see oneself as imprisoned or trapped in the current moment.Livestreamed from the library of the Apostolic Palace, the pope continued his series of talks on prayer, reflecting on the prayer of praise.He reflected on the time in Jesus’ early ministry when his great works and miracles were still met with unbelief: St. John the Baptist, who had been imprisoned, was

Source: Praising God purifies the soul, is like breathing ‘pure oxygen,’ pope says – The Catholic Sun