Pope's General Audience: The Church is Holy despite the sins of its members




October 2, 2013. (Romereports.com) During his general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis talked about contradictions. He explained that the Church is holy, despite the sins and flaws of its members, including that of popes.  

He explained that people don't make the Church holy, but rather God does. He said it's holy because the Church cannot be separated from Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, sinners receive help.

POPE FRANCIS
“Throughout history there has been the temptation to say that the Church is only for the 'pure' and for those who live completely coherent lives...and the rest can leave. But this isn't true. That is heresy! The Church is indeed Holy, but She doesn't reject sinners. None of us are rejected. The Church doesn't reject us, but rather it welcomes all of us. The Church is also open to those who are farthest from Her.”

The Pope said that understanding the true meaning of holiness is key. The Church, he said, is not a place for perfect people but a place where all sinners, including the Pope, can change if they embrace God's mercy.

POPE FRANCIS
“People will say, 'But Father, I'm a sinner. I have serious sins. How can I belong to the Church? I say, dear brothers and sisters, it is you whom the Lord seeks. He wants you to say: 'Lord here I am, despite my sins.' Are any of us free of sin? Anyone? No one. None of us. We all carry our sins.”

Holiness isn't meant for a few people, but for everyone. To be holy, the Pope said one doesn't need to do extraordinary things.

POPE FRANCIS
“You may ask, 'what can I do? I feel weak, frail and I'm a sinner.' God tells you, don't be afraid of holiness. Don't be afraid of aiming high and allowing yourself to be loved and purified by God. Don't be afraid. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Be embraced by the holiness of God.”

As usual, for about 40 minutes Pope Francis made it a point to make his way across St. Peter's Square, in his popemobile, to greet thousands of pilgrims

-

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the...
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the...
Read more

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers, Midwives, and Newborn Babies

Image
The saint of the day for August 31 is St. Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron of expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, infertile couples, and newborn babies. Raymond was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence his name non natus (not born). In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and serious duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success. Raymond later joined the the Order of Our Lady of Mercy or the Mercederians, which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as h...
Read more