During his General Audience, Pope Francis explained the role of freedom of Christian life. The Pope says the new life we receive in baptism sets “us free from slavery to sin and death,” but that this freedom is not an opportunity for self-indulgence, but a call to be “servants of one another.”
Pope Francis says the current pandemic presents a chance to rediscover the communal aspect of Christian life, and to follow Jesus' example of charity.
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 freedom to which we have been called in Christ.
The new life we received in baptism has made us sons and daughters of the Father and set us free from slavery to sin and death. Paul teaches that our freedom in Christ is not an opportunity for self-indulgence but a summons to be “servants of one another” within the community of believers. Paul tells us that only “through love,” given in generous service to the poor, can our freedom in Christ grow and bear fruit.
Jesus exemplified this life of selfless love at the Last Supper, when, on the eve of his saving passion and death, he washed the disciples’ feet, teaching us to do likewise.
Christian freedom has an essentially social dimension. The effects of the current pandemic invite us to overcome reductive individualistic ideas of freedom and to rediscover its deeper communitarian aspect. Through our witness to the liberating power of Christ’s grace, may we help others to see that authentic freedom is born of the love of God and finds its fulfillment in charity.
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!
JM
