Pope Francis concluded his series of catecheses on St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians. He explained that the saint's “insistence that charity is the fulfillment of the law” should lead us enthusiastically to pursue the way of Christian love and to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The Pope also encouraged Christians to trust in Christ's “faithful presences” and not “grow weary or discouraged by our failures or apparent lack of progress.”
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Today we conclude our series of catecheses on Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. We have seen Paul speak in a variety of ways as apostle, theologian and pastor, opening up the inexhaustible riches of Jesus Christ. Paul’s personal encounter with the risen Lord led him to proclaim boldly the freedom from sin and death won by Christ’s victory on the Cross, and the new life bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit at our baptism. Paul’s insistence that charity is the fulfillment of the law should lead us enthusiastically to pursue the way of Christian love and to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Nor should we ever grow weary or discouraged by our failures or apparent lack of progress. Saint Augustine evokes the image of Christ asleep in the boat amid the storm to remind us that whenever we feel weary and the tempests of life threaten to overwhelm us, we need but awaken Christ in our hearts, trusting in his faithful presence and the life-giving power of his Spirit.
With Saint Paul, may we constantly rejoice in the newness, joy and freedom of the new life proclaimed by the Gospel.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England and the United States of America. In this month of November, let us pray for our deceased loved ones, and for all who have died, that the Lord in his mercy will welcome them into the Kingdom of heaven. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of Christ. May God bless you!
CT
