Pope says Faith is also Reflected in Deeds

(13 Sep 09 - RV) In his Sunday Angelus Address Pope Benedict asked pilgrims if their faith was reflected in all they do, adding that if it was not then they cannot call themselves true believers.


Taking his cue from today's Gospel, the Pope recalled how faith itself is dead if is not followed by deeds. Every believer, therefore, is called to testify in practice the teachings of Jesus, who by his very existence has shown us that only love can change the world. "If you love your neighbour with a pure and generous heart - explained the Pope - it means that you really know God”. “If you say you have faith but do not love your brothers, then your are not a true believer”.


“In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus puts a question to his disciples: Who do you say I am? On behalf of the others, it is Peter who answers: You are the Christ. Throughout history, it has been the task of Peter’s successors to continue to make that proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ. And all of us are called to join Peter as we resolve to place the Lord at the centre of our lives. I pray that all of you may grow in your faith and love for the Lord


On the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows, "We learn from the Virgin Mary, Pope Benedict concluded, to witness our faith with a life of humble service, ready to pay in person to remain faithful to the Gospel of charity and truth, and certain that nothing we do is lost ".