On the Feast of Saints Philip and
James, Pope Francis focuses his homily at Casa Santa Marta’s chapel on the
characteristics needed to accompany the transmission of the faith.
By Sr
Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Using the
first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Pope Francis spoke about the
transmission of the faith during his homily on Thursday at
Casa Santa Marta.
What transmission of the faith is
not
Transmitting
the faith is not to be confused with proselytism, Pope Francis said. The Church
is not about looking for cheering fans; neither is it simply reciting the
Creed, which is an expression of the faith. Neither is it merely the passing on
of information as if it were as easy as: “Here, take this book, study it and
then I will baptize you”, Pope Francis said.
Faith is not given, it is birthed
Rather,
transmitting the faith is “rooting the heart in faith in Jesus Christ”, the
Pope said. This is the Church’s challenge: “to be a fruitful mother, giving
birth to children in the faith.” Grandparents, and parents are especially apt
to transmit the faith because they “perfume it with love”, the Pope continued.
And he added that care-givers, even if they are foreigners, can also effectively
transmit the faith to those whom they care for.
Testimony provokes attraction and
curiosity
Quoting
Benedict XVI, Pope Francis reminds us that the faith is transmitted when people
are attracted by our testimony. At times, that testimony ends in martyrdom.
“Testimony provokes curiosity,” he said. It is when others see a consistency in
someone’s life that they are led to ask: “Why does so-and-so live like that?
Why would a person spend their life in service to others?” “The Holy Spirit
uses that curiosity and he goes to work within” the person, Pope Francis said.
The Pope
concluded saying, “Transmitting the faith makes us just, it justifies us. The
faith justifies us and by transmitting it we give true justice to others”.
De Pal
