14 June, 2013 - The only way to truly receive truly the gift of salvation in Christ
is in sincerely recognizing recognize oneself as weak and sinful, and to avoid any
form of self-justification. This was the focus of Pope Francis’ homily at Friday morning
Mass in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. A true follower
of Christ is like a weak earthen vessel, guarding a great treasure given to him totally
free, the Pope said reflecting on the day’s reading from the Second Letter of St
Paul to the Corinthians. He said that it is precisely from the relationship "between
the grace and power of Jesus Christ" and ourselves, poor sinners, that "the dialogue
of salvation" springs. This dialogue, moreover, must avoid any "self-justification",
and be between God and “ourselves as we are.” The Holy Father offered priests the
figure of St. Paul who while admitting he was a persecutor of the Church, never claimed
he had become holy. He shows himself as a sinner who accepts Jesus Christ and dialogues
with Him. The key, the Pontiff explained, is humility. Paul himself publicly demonstrates
this in his so-called "track record” as an Apostle of Jesus, admitting also his sins.
“If we only pride ourselves in our “track record” and nothing more, we end up wrongly.”
“We cannot proclaim Jesus Christ the Saviour,” the Pope added.