New Eyes to See: Reflecting on the Introduction of Francis's "Lumen Fidei"

August 28, 2013 by Pat Gohn

Continued from Page 1

In this clear intercession—I have prayed for you—Jesus pins hope on Peter's faith, but it is not fainthearted. Jesus backs it with his power and light. Jesus entrusts this faith, by turn, on the followers to come after Peter, as they too will be transformed by the light of faith.

I now imagine this word of God applying to me. I see Jesus praying for my faith, the virtue infused at my baptism. To assist me in not failing, Jesus has given me brothers and sisters in the church, along with the graces of the sacraments, to insure it. This, indeed, is the faith born of encounter with Jesus: it brightens one's path, and opens "vast horizons" that lead "beyond our isolated selves towards the breadth of communion." It is a faith that "enriches life in all its dimensions." (LF, par 6)

The gift of faith opens me to receive the light, live in it, and spread it. It leads me, as a driving force, toward communion with God, and with my neighbor, and with the church.

In God's gift of faith, a supernatural infused virtue, we realize that a great love has been offered us, a good word has been spoken to us, and that when we welcome that word, Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, the Holy Spirit transforms us, lights up our way to the future and enables us joyfully to advance along that way on wings of hope. Thus wonderfully interwoven, faith, hope and charity are the driving force of the Christian life as it advances towards full communion with God. (LF, par 7)

Page: 2 of 2

12/2/2022 9:05:39 PM

Catholic

A Word in Season

Pope Francis

Christianity

Roman Catholicism

more at patheos

Trying To Make Heads of Tales in Kendrick Lamar's "Prayer"

Alan Lechusza Aquallo

Chrysostom vs. Faith Alone (vs. Lutheran Will Weedon)

Dave Armstrong

Wonder Project Offers Easter Titles for Home Viewing

DeWayne Hamby

The Grammar and the Wound: Truth and Pastoral Reckoning

Dennis Knapp

About Pat Gohn

Pat Gohn is a Catholic writer, speaker, and the host of the Among Women Podcast and blog. Her book Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood is published by Ave Maria Press.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos