While it’s the peak of the August vacation season, and the Romans have escaped Rome, tourists and pilgrims are filling the Eternal City. Many of them gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to attend the Angelus prayer. Pope Francis spoke on the meaning of faith, as described in the day’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew, which recounts when Jesus walked on the waters and called on his disciples to take courage.
The Pope explained that faith does not make everything easier in life, but it helps overcome life’s existential storms.
POPE FRANCIS
“Faith gives us the assurance of a Presence, that is Christ, who encourages us to overcome the existential storms and offers the certainty of hand that holds and helps us face difficulties, showing us the way even when it is dark.”
At the same time, Pope Francis noted that faith does not magically solve the problems of life.
POPE FRANCIS
“In short, faith is not a way out of the problems of life, but it sustains our journey and gives it meaning”
On the contrary, the Pope explained that what does not help people overcome difficulties are magic or esoteric remedies to which many are drawn.
POPE FRANCIS
“When you do not cling to the Word of the Lord, but have more security in consulting horoscopes and fortune tellers, you begin to sink. This means that faith is not so strong.”
Finally, the Pope recalled that faith is encountered in the boat – symbolizing the Church - which is kept afloat not by the importance or the quality of its members, but through faith in Christ and His Word.
