SUMMARY:
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THE GIFT OF PIETY: SYNONYM OF FILIAL TRUST IN GOD
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TO YOUNG POLISH PILGRIMS: SHOW THE WORLD THE JOY OF BEING GOD'S
CHILDREN
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THE
GIFT OF PIETY: SYNONYM OF FILIAL TRUST IN GOD
Vatican
City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) – Pope Francis dedicated this Wednesday's
general audience to another gift of the Holy Spirit, piety, which he
emphasised is not used here in a superficial sense.
Piety,
as a gift of the Holy Spirit, means “our belonging to God and our
profound bond with Him, a bond that gives meaning to all our lives
and helps us stay firmly in communion with Him, even in the most
difficult moments”.
The
Pope explained to the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St.
Peter's Square that this union is not and should not be a duty or an
imposition, but is instead an exchange, “something that comes from
within, a relationship experienced with the heart: it is our
friendship with God, given to us by Jesus, a friendship that changes
our life and fills us with enthusiasm and joy. Therefore, the gift of
piety arouses gratitude and praise, first and foremost. Indeed this
is the reason and the most authentic meaning of our worship and our
adoration. When the Holy Spirit makes us aware of the Lord's presence
and of all His love for us, this warms our hearts and moves us almost
naturally to prayer and celebration. Piety, therefore, is a synonym
for authentic religious spirit and filial trust in God, for that
capacity to pray to Him with the love and simplicity of those who are
humble at heart”.
This
gift, which enables us to live as true children of God, also leads us
to love our neighbour and to recognise him as our brother. “And so
we are moved to sentiments of piety – not pietism, or outward
religiosity. Why do I say 'piety' and not 'pietism'? Because there
are those who think that piety means closing ones eyes, assuming an
image or a saintly face”, commented Pope Francis, using a phrase
typical of Piedmont, the Italian region from which he originates:
“Fare la mugna quacia” (feign ingenuousness, Ed.). “This is not
the true gift of piety. The true gift of piety makes us truly capable
of rejoicing with those who are joyful, of weeping with those who
weep, of being close to those who are in anguish, of correcting those
who err, of consoling the afflicted, of welcoming and assisting those
in need. There is also a close relationship between piety and
quietude”, he observed. “The Holy Spirit makes us calm and
patient, in peace with God and meekly at the service of others”.
The
Holy Father concluded by quoting from St. Paul's letter to the
Romans. “All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you
did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you
received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'.
Let us pray the Lord that this gift of the Holy Spirit may conquer
our fears, uncertainties and also our restless, impatient spirit, and
make us joyful witnesses of God and His Love”.
TO
YOUNG POLISH PILGRIMS: SHOW THE WORLD THE JOY OF BEING GOD'S CHILDREN
Vatican
City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) – After the Pope's catechesis he addressed,
among others, the Polish pilgrims present and in particular the young
people who meet each year in Lecnica, at the baptismal fonts of
Poland to renew their adhesion to Christ and the Church. “This
time”, said Francis, “enter deeply into and live the mystery of
Jesus' divine sonship and – in Him – of all those who, through
Baptism, participate in His life, death and resurrection. Reflect on
what it means to be God's children and experience His love. Wish to
live this love so as to bear witness to it before others”.
“Dear
young people! Be brave! Respond with enthusiasm to God's love, as His
beloved children; respond with trust when you return to the merciful
Father as prodigal sons. Always rejoice in the grace of being God's
children, and bring this joy to the world. May St. John Paul II, who
began your journey to Lednica with you eighteen years ago, guide you
and obtain all the necessary grace so that your young lives are full
and generous”.
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