“Let us remember that” – as St. John Paul II said – “freedom must be managed on the basis of love of God, homeland and brothers'” – reminded Poles, referring to the National Independence Day, Francis during today’s general audience.
These are the words of the Holy Father:
I cordially greet the Polish pilgrims. Tomorrow in Poland is the National Independence Day. As we thank God for the gift of freedom, let us remember that, as St. John Paul II said, “freedom must be developed on the basis of the love of God, homeland and brothers” (11/13/2002). “Today the world and Poland need people who are strong in heart, who in humility serve and love, bless, not curse, and with blessing conquer the earth” (Sopot, 6/5/1999). With the wish of peace and all good, I entrust to God all Poles and bless from my heart.
The papal catechesis was summarized in Polish by Monsignor Paweł Ptasznik from the Secretariat of State of the Holy See:
Today’s catechesis is the last in the cycle of reflections on the Letter to the Galatians. This letter makes it possible to see in Paul the Apostle a true theologian who contemplated the mystery of Christ and transmitted it with creative intelligence. He was also able to carry out his pastoral mission in the face of a lost and confused community. The power of the Spirit truly penetrated his heart: the encounter with the Risen Christ embraced and transformed his whole life, and he devoted it entirely to the service of the Gospel. He was convinced that he had received a calling to which only he could respond, and he wanted to explain to the Galatians that they too had been called to freedom because they had become heirs of the old promise and, in Christ, children of God. Paul subordinated the freedom of love and pointed out that it is expressed consistently in the ministry of mercy.
At the end of this cycle of catechesis, a twofold attitude can arise in us. On the one hand, the Apostle’s teaching evokes enthusiasm in us; we feel urged to immediately follow the path of freedom, to “walk in the Spirit.” On the other hand, we are aware of our limitations because we experience on a daily basis how difficult it is to be submissive to the Holy Spirit. Then there may be weariness holding back enthusiasm. We feel discouraged and weak. St. Augustine, referring to the Gospel event of the storm on the lake, suggests how to react in such a situation. He says, “The faith of Christ in your heart is like Christ in a boat. Awaken Christ, shake your faith! Also being agitated you can do something. Shake your faith. Christ will wake up and speak to you… Therefore, awaken Christ… Believe what has been told to you, and there will be great peace in your heart.” (Catechesis 163/B 6)
Source: KAI
