Welcome to a reflection on charity with Pope Francis at his weekly General Audience. Today, the Holy Father delves into the theological virtue of charity, emphasizing its importance in our relationship with God and others.
As Pope Francis shared his insights, he highlighted that the virtue of charity originates from God. Unlike other forms of love we experience in the world, charity is unique in that it is directed towards God. It empowers us to love God and our neighbors in the same way that God loves them.
Reflecting on St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians, the Pope pointed out how true charity can be challenging to practice. It goes beyond superficial affections to encompass forgiveness, blessings, and love for even those who may be difficult to love. This form of love, guided by the Holy Spirit, is what sets us apart as Christians.
Quoting Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, Pope Francis emphasized the necessity of charity in our lives. He underlined the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those in need, as our actions of love towards others reflect our love for God.
Ultimately, as the Pope concluded, our lives will be defined by the charity we demonstrate towards others. In the end, it is not generic love that will be judged, but our practice of true charity as exemplified by the words of Jesus: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”
Join us in reflecting on the profound virtue of charity and how it shapes our relationships with God and humanity.
By Christopher Wells
