In his weekly general audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis delivered a profound message to the faithful, emphasizing the liberating power of faith in the face of life’s challenges. He reassured believers that the Holy Spirit offers us eternal life, stating, “Faith frees us from the horror of thinking that everything ends here.”
The Hope of Eternity
During his catechesis held in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope highlighted the importance of keeping our eyes on the promise of eternal life. “Faith liberates us from the horror of having to admit that everything ends here, that there is no redemption for the suffering and injustice that reign sovereignly on Earth,” he reflected. This declaration is especially pertinent in a world where many are burdened by suffering and feel lost amidst injustice.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Christian Life
Pope Francis delved into the vital role of the Holy Spirit in our Christian journey. He explained that the Holy Spirit is present and active in our lives, residing within us and being an integral part of our existence. He emphasized that the Holy Spirit is “consubstantial,” equally divine with the Father and the Son. As the “giver of life,” the Holy Spirit enables us to share in the life and victory of Christ over sin and death.
A Comforting Message for the Faithful
The Pope posed a crucial question: “Where is the great and comforting news for us?” The answer, he explained, is that the life given by the Holy Spirit is eternal life. With faith, we can rest assured that there is more beyond the miseries of this life and the troubles of the world.
In his message, he noted how faith can calm the anxiety that sometimes overwhelms us when we worry that everything is finite. He quoted St. Paul: “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
Cultivating Faith for All
Finally, Pope Francis urged the faithful to cultivate faith not only for themselves but also “for those who, often without any fault, are deprived of it” and struggle to find meaning in life. He reminded everyone, “Let us not forget to give thanks to Him, who through His death obtained this priceless gift for us!”
In this powerful message, Pope Francis calls upon us to embrace our faith and share the hope of eternal life with those around us, nurturing a spirit of love and gratitude that transcends our earthly experiences.
Full text:
Dear brothers and sisters: Today we continue our catechesis on the Holy Spirit who is present and at work in the life of the Church. As we proclaim in the Creed, the Holy Spirit is “the Lord, the giver of life.” Within the life of the Blessed Trinity the Holy Spirit is “consubstantial,” equal in divinity with the Father and the Son. As “giver of life,” he gives us a share in Christ’s own life and victory over sin and death. He thus gives us hope amid the suffering and injustices of our world. Let us ask the Spirit to strengthen our belief in the the power of Christ’s Resurrection to transform our lives and the world in which we live.
Santo Padre:
Saluto i pellegrini di lingua inglese, specialmente quelli provenienti da Inghilterra, Danimarca, Norvegia, Sud Africa, India, Kuwait, Malesia, Filippine, Corea, Canada e Stati Uniti. Rivolgo un saluto particolare alla delegazione del NATO Defense College, ai sacerdoti dell’Istituto di Formazione Teologica Permanente del Pontificio Collegio Americano del Nord, nonché ai membri della Gregorian University Foundation. Su tutti voi e sulle vostre famiglie invoco la gioia e la pace del Signore nostro Gesú Cristo. Dio vi benedica!
Speaker:
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, especially those coming from England, Denmark, Norway, South Africa, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Phillipines, South Korea, Canada and the United States. I greet in particular the delegation from the NATO Defense College, the priests of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at the North American College and the members of the Gregorian University Foundation. Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
