In his General Audience, Pope Francis says that faith in Jesus sets Christians free from a religiosity “based solely on the scrupulous observance of precepts.” In reflecting on Saint Paul's Letter to the Galatians, the Pope says that it is important to remember the personal effects of grace in our lives.
Faith in Christ, says the Pope, invites us “to bear convincing witness to God’s merciful love in the way we live our daily lives.” In this way, Christians may experience the outpouring of Holy Spirit.
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, we have seen how the Apostle insists on the newness of life in Christ, which sets Christians free from a religiosity based solely on the scrupulous observance of precepts.
Paul reminds the Galatians of the saving grace they received through faith in the Gospel message of Christ’s death and resurrection, and their experience of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their midst.
Paul likewise points to his personal experience of the grace and freedom brought by faith in the crucified Jesus: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live..., I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20).
In addressing the Galatians, the Apostle also speaks to us; he invites each of us to rejoice in the righteousness we have received through faith in Christ and to bear convincing witness to God’s merciful love in the way we live our daily lives.
I cordially greet the English-speaking faithful. Upon you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
JM
