3 Effects of Faith in Afterlife
Pope Points to 3 Effects of Faith in Afterlife
Considers If Christians Should Pray for Second Coming
VATICAN CITY, NOV. 12, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that faith in the Resurrection should bring Christians to three fundamental attitudes.
The Pope said this today when he dedicated the weekly general audience to another installment in his ongoing reflection on the life and theology of St. Paul.
After a consideration of how the Apostle’s interior freedom hinged on his faith in the resurrection of the dead to life in Christ, the Holy Father considered what the saint’s teaching encourages for Christians of the 21st century.
“The first attitude [for Christians],” he said, “is the certainty that Jesus has risen, is with the Father, and because of that, is with us forever. […] Because of this, we are secure and free of fear. This was an essential effect of Christian preaching. Fear of spirits and gods was spread throughout the entire ancient world. And today as well, missionaries find — together with so many good elements in natural religions — the fear of spirits and the ill-fated powers that threaten us. Christ is alive; he has overcome death and has overcome all these powers. With this certainty, with this freedom, with this joy, we live. This is the first element of our living directed to the future.”
The Holy Father has an eloquent way of presenting things. In the midst of so many problems, it’s important to keep our eye on the things that really matter, like our eternal life.
But, it’s equally important that we do all we can do in this world to advance God’s Kingdom, and make Christ’s presence known everywhere, by our words and actions.
Especially, in areas of conflict and human suffering. The Holy Father is leading by example, by continously professing the faith to a world growing colder by the day.
Keep the faith! God is with us!
Remember, it’s not enough to love only those who love us, we must love our persecutors as well.
November 13 2008 07:33 am | church leaders and inspiration and papa benedict
