In his first General Audience after the July break, Pope Francis resumed his catechesis on the Holy Spirit. He focused on his significance in the New Testament and, specifically, during the incarnation. “We too are called, like Mary, to make room for the Holy Spirit to act in us. When we go through difficult situations, let us renew our trust in the Lord by remembering the words of the angel: Nothing is impossible for God.”
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
With today’s catechesis, we begin our reflections on the Holy Spirit’s role in our Redemption. The early Ecumenical Councils that gave us the Nicene Creed affirmed both the divinity of the Holy Spirit and his work in the Incarnation. While all Christians profess this creed, Catholic devotion further expresses its faith in a favorite prayer, the Angelus. Mary is understood to be the Bride of the Spirit and so, prefigures the Church, a teaching has maintained from the past to the present.
By receiving and sharing the Word of God, every Christian, regardless of life’s challenges, can experience, like her, what the Spirit does for the whole Church, for as the angel said to Mary, “Nothing is impossible for God.”
I extend a cordial welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from Ireland. I invoke upon you and your families the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
JRB
TR: KG
