Pope at Mass: ‘Transmitting the
faith is a birth process’
On the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Pope Francis
focuses his homily at Casa Santa Marta’s chapel on the characteristics needed
to accompany the transmission of the faith.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Using the first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Pope
Francis spoke about the transmission of the faith during his homily on
Thursday at Casa Santa Marta.
What transmission of the faith is not
Transmitting the faith is not to be confused with
proselytism, Pope Francis said. The Church is not about looking for cheering
fans; neither is it simply reciting the Creed, which is an expression of the
faith. Neither is it merely the passing on of information as if it were as easy
as: “Here, take this book, study it and then I will baptize you”, Pope Francis
said.
Faith is not given, it is birthed
Rather, transmitting the faith is “rooting the heart in
faith in Jesus Christ”, the Pope said. This is the Church’s challenge: “to be a
fruitful mother, giving birth to children in the faith.” Grandparents, and
parents are especially apt to transmit the faith because they “perfume it with
love”, the Pope continued. And he added that care-givers, even if they are
foreigners, can also effectively transmit the faith to those whom they care
for.
Testimony provokes attraction and curiosity
Quoting Benedict XVI, Pope Francis reminds us that the faith
is transmitted when people are attracted by our testimony. At times, that
testimony ends in martyrdom. “Testimony provokes curiosity,” he said. It is
when others see a consistency in someone’s life that they are led to ask: “Why
does so-and-so live like that? Why would a person spend their life in service
to others?” “The Holy Spirit uses that curiosity and he goes to work within”
the person, Pope Francis said.
The Pope concluded saying, “Transmitting the faith makes us
just, it justifies us. The faith justifies us and by transmitting it we give
true justice to others”.
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