(24 Sep 08 - RV) Pope Benedict told the faithful gathered for his weekly general audience
today that Christianity ''is not borne from a myth, but rather from a meeting with
the person of Jesus." Lydia O’Kane reports...
Making the most of the Rome’s
September Wednesday General moved out of doors to the familiar surroundings of St
Peter’s Square.
Pope Benedict travelled by helicopter joining the thousands
of pilgrims and tourists who had gathered to see him.
Following on from
his catecheses of previous weekly the Holy Father again on Wednesday focused on the
life of St Paul and his relationship with the Twelve Apostles.
In his letter
to the Galatians, Paul speaks of his visits to Jerusalem where he consulted Peter,
James and John, reputed to be the “pillars” of the Church. Paul’s mission to the
Gentiles needed to be confirmed and guaranteed by those who had been disciples of
Jesus during his earthly life, and they offered to him and to Barnabas the right hand
of fellowship. Paul passed on the living tradition that he had received: the words
of Jesus at the Last Supper, his death and resurrection, and his appearances to Peter
and to the Twelve. Paul emphasizes that Jesus died “for our sins”, he offered himself
to the Father in order to deliver us from sin and death.
He went on to say
that Christianity '' is not borne from a myth, but rather' from a meeting with the
person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Risen Christ.
And now that Jesus has risen
from the dead, he is living in his Church and in the Eucharist, where we continue
to encounter him. Just as Paul’s teaching is rooted in his experience on the road
to Damascus, and in his knowledge of Christ acquired through the Church, so too our
faith is grounded, not on myths or pious legends, but on the words and deeds of Jesus
of Nazareth, and on our encounter with the risen Lord, present in the life of his
Church.
Towards the end of his audience the Pope had warm words of welcome
for English speaking visitors including new students from the Venerable English College
here in Rome.
I offer a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and
visitors here today, including the choir from New Zealand and the groups from Britain
and Ireland, Scandinavia, Africa, Australia and the Far East. I greet in particular
the new students from the Venerable English College and the priests from Ireland who
are taking part in a renewal course. May your pilgrimage renew your faith in Christ
present in his Church, after the example of the Apostle Saint Paul. May God bless
you all!