Pope Francis began a new cycle of catechesis in his first General Audience after Christmas, focusing on vices and virtues.
For this, the Pope wanted to go to the beginning, to the book of Genesis, to explain the dynamics of good and evil through the episode of Adam, Eve and the serpent. He reflected on temptations and the danger of the devil.
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
Today we begin a series of catecheses on the virtues and the vices opposed to them. The very first pages of the Bible present us with the drama of original goodness, temptation and sin. The Tempter, in the form of a serpent, is subtle, instilling doubt about God’s wisdom and intentions, and playing on our ambition and pride.
Just as love is its own reward, so evil is its own punishment; only after sinning do we truly appreciate the wrong we have done. The Scriptures and the masters of the spiritual life urge us to recognize and reject evil at its root, to be alert to the wiles of the devil, and above all, to keep watch over our hearts, lest the first stirrings of sin threaten our closeness to the Lord and our obedience to his loving plan for our lives.
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from Malta, Hong Kong and Korea. May each of you, and your families, cherish the joy of this Christmas season, and draw near in prayer to the Saviour who has come to dwell among us. God bless you!
