Pope Francis focused his weekly catechesis on Christian freedom as explained by St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians.
The Pope explained that Christian freedom comes from baptism and is “grounded in the unmerited gift of God's grace and the truth of Christ.”
The Pope said that Jesus, through his death and resurrection, shows us that “the total gift of ourselves in service of others...is the supreme mark of freedom.”
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 now consider the Apostle’s teaching on Christian freedom. For Paul, that freedom is a gift, the fruit of our new life in Christ.
Through baptism, we have been freed from our bondage to sin and freed for a life of generous love in obedience to the Gospel. Jesus tells us, “If you continue in my word… you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:31-32). Christian freedom is thus grounded in the unmerited gift of God’s grace and the truth of Christ.
Through his passion, death and resurrection, Christ reveals the depth of God’s love, and teaches us that the total gift of ourselves in service of others, even to the point of death, is the mark of supreme freedom.
The truth that Christ brings is in fact truthfulness about ourselves. Our journey along the path of Christian freedom is not easy, but guided and sustained by the love of the Crucified Lord, and by his liberating truth, we will find our ultimate fulfillment in accordance with God’s saving plan.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from the United States of America. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of the Lord. May God bless you!
CT
