Before the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis reflected on the day's Gospel reading, in which Jesus says he came to bring fire to the earth.
The Pope said that just as fire changes the state of things, faith in Christ cannot leave one's life the same as before.
POPE FRANCIS
The Gospel does not leave things as they are; when the Gospel passes, and is listened to and received, things do not stay as they are. The Gospel provokes change and invites conversion.
He went on to explain that faith is not something which pacifies life and makes it easier, but rather that it calls individuals to action.
POPE FRANCIS
Faith is not a “lullaby” that lulls us to sleep. True faith is a fire, a living flame to keep us wakeful and active even at night!
Pope Francis then recommended developing a passion for the Gospel to respond to this faith by carrying it around and reading it often.
JM
