杏MAP导航

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

Using the first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 杏MAP导航 Francis spoke about the transmission of the faith during his homily on Thursday at Casa Santa Marta.

What transmission of the faith is not

Transmitting the faith is not to be confused with proselytism, 杏MAP导航 Francis said. The Church is not about looking for cheering fans; neither is it simply reciting the Creed, which is an expression of the faith. Neither is it merely the passing on of information as if it were as easy as: 鈥淗ere, take this book, study it and then I will baptize you鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis said.

Faith is not given, it is birthed

Rather, transmitting the faith is 鈥渞ooting the heart in faith in Jesus Christ鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said. This is the Church鈥檚 challenge: 鈥渢o be a fruitful mother, giving birth to children in the faith.鈥� Grandparents, and parents are especially apt to transmit the faith because they 鈥減erfume it with love鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 continued. And he added that care-givers, even if they are foreigners, can also effectively transmit the faith to those whom they care for.

Testimony provokes attraction and curiosity

Quoting Benedict XVI, 杏MAP导航 Francis reminds us that the faith is transmitted when people are attracted by our testimony. At times, that testimony ends in martyrdom. 鈥淭estimony provokes curiosity,鈥� he said. It is when others see a consistency in someone鈥檚 life that they are led to ask: 鈥淲hy does so-and-so live like that? Why would a person spend their life in service to others?鈥� 鈥淭he Holy Spirit uses that curiosity and he goes to work within鈥� the person, 杏MAP导航 Francis said.

The 杏MAP导航 concluded saying, 鈥淭ransmitting the faith makes us just, it justifies us. The faith justifies us and by transmitting it we give true justice to others鈥�.