2013-06-14 16:33:58

Pope offers St. Paul as model of humility


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.







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