Pope Francis: We need to call on the Holy Spirit more often

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Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis concluded his General Audience catechetical series on the Letter to the Galatians highlighting how the Apostle Paul teaches that "the fulfilment of the true Law is found in this life of the Spirit given to us by Jesus." And the life of the Spirit "can only be lived in freedom".

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in Paul VI Hall for Wednesday's General Audience, Pope Francis noted that Saint Paul's Letter to the Galatians shows his role as a great evangeliser, theologian, and pastor. He pointed out how he helps us discover "the shocking newness contained in the revelation of Jesus Christ", contemplating the mystery of Christ and sharing it with "creative intelligence" with those to whom he preached.

At the same time, he ably guided and encouraged a lost and confused community of the time with great pastoral sensitivity, the Pope observed, showing how the strength of the Spirit had "truly entered his heart" and how his meeting with the Risen Christ transformed his entire life.

Pope Francis emphasised the passion St Paul showed in defending the freedom that Christ brought - a passion that "still moves us today". Paul responded to the call he had received to preach the Gospel, with great conviction, the Pope said.

St Paul pointed out to the Galatians that they, too, were called to the freedom that liberates them from every form of slavery by making them heirs of the ancient promise and children of God through Christ. Summing up Paul's teaching, , the Pope said, "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."

The Pope said St Paul's teaching generates enthusiasm, encouraging people to follow the way of freedom and "walk according to the Spirit," which always makes us free.

At the same time, he noted, we become more aware of our weaknesses as we see how challenging it is to be "docile to the Spirit, to surrender to His beneficial action." But we cannot let discouragement set in, the Pope said, recalling the Gospel episode of the disciples in the boat at the moment of the storm, when the Apostles woke Christ up to save them. In these very difficult moments of life, we need to "wake up Christ who is within us," adding, "We must rouse Christ in our hearts and only then will we be able to contemplate things with His eyes for He sees beyond the storm".

In conclusion, the Pope said we should never grow weary of doing good, and we can always trust the Spirit will come to assist us in our weakness and give us the support we need. We need to "learn to invoke the Holy Spirit more often," he said, and one of the great ways to do that is to recite often "the beautiful prayer" the Church recites on Pentecost: 'Come, Holy Spirit.'

With the presence of the Spirit, the Pope said, "we will protect our freedom", since "Christian freedom is what makes us grow" and makes true joy comes forth.

At the end of the Audience Pope Francis greeted pilgrims from English and the USA.

LINKS

Watch the General Audience on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kov29rl8jI

Text of Pope Francis catechesis - www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20211110_udienza-generale.html

Come Holy Spirit - www.vaticannews.va/en/prayers/come--holy-spirit.html