2nd Advent Sermon: the Christian response to secularism
Gathered with the Holy Father and other members of the papal household in the Redemptoris
mater chapel of the Apostolic Palace on Friday morning, Capuchin Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa
gave the second of the traditional weekly Advent sermons – this one focusing on the
Christian response to secularism. Drawing on an early passage from the 1st Letter of St. John, “We have seen and do bear witness, and declare unto you the life eternal,” Fr. Cantalamessa delivered a 6-part reflection that explored the relationship of time and eternity, the dangers attendant upon the loss of the idea of eternity, and the need to recover an awareness of our having been made for eternity.
“We need a renewed faith in eternity,” said Fr. Cantalamessa, “not only for evangelization.” Even before this, he said, “we need such a renewed faith in order to give a new impetus to our journey toward holiness."
The preacher of the Papal household went on to say that the weakening of the idea of eternity is also acting upon the larger body of the faithful, decreasing in them the ability to face with courage suffering and the trials of life.
Listen to Chris Altieri's report:
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