Pope Francis concluded his series of catechesess on St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians. He said that a key point of the Apostle's teachings is showing Christians how to be free.
POPE FRANCIS
'The fulfillment of the true law is found in this life of the Spirit given to us by Jesus. And this life of the Spirit can only be lived in freedom. Christian freedom. And this is one of the most beautiful things, the most beautiful.'
He explained that freedom allows room for the Holy Spirit, who impels us to live enthusiastically. The Pope said this is part of the genius of St. Paul's catechesis.
POPE FRANCIS
'With very original intuitions, he presented to us faith in Christ, not as something that soothes and calms us, but as a catalyst that calls us as a community to abandon sin and follow the life of the Spirit. From this teaching of the Apostle is born enthusiasm, which impels us to embrace the journey of freedom, guided by the Spirit.'
Pope Francis said that challenges arise sooner or later. So he offered a solution: praying to the Holy Spirit.
POPE FRANCIS
'In difficult moments, you should pray: “Come, Holy Spirit.” The key word is this: come. Come. But you need to say it in your own words. “Come, because I find myself in difficulty. Come, because I am in the dark. Come, because I don't know what to do. Come, because I am about to fall... Come. Come.”
The audience concluded with moments like this.
While greeting pilgrims from the United States, a neocatechumenal group from Newark, New Jersey, broke out in song, and the Pope listened attentively.
JRB
TR: CT