Pope Francis: To always walk as children of light, persevering in faith, is the Christian vocation

by FLL Editorial Team
2018-05-16

Light of the World From Flickr by Santa Catalina School

Light of the World
From Flickr by Santa Catalina School

(CNA/EWTN News) On May 16, in his catechesis for the weekly audience, Pope Francis concluded his commentary on the sacrament of Baptism with reflections on the symbolism of the white garment and baptismal candle.

These items make visible the invisible spiritual effects of the sacrament, he said, noting how the white garment reminds us of St. Paul’s words: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

St. Paul goes on to explain, the pope said, that to “have clothed” one’s self with Christ means to live and cultivate virtue.

Again quoting the words of St. Paul, he said: “Clothe yourselves with sentiments of tenderness, of goodness, of humility, of meekness, of magnanimity, enduring each other and forgiving one another. But above all these things, clothe yourselves with charity, which unites them in a perfect way.”

Pope Francis also explained that the baptismal candle reminds us that the Light of the World is Jesus Christ, “who, having risen from the dead, has conquered the darkness of evil.”

“We are called to receive [the candle’s] splendor!” he said. “As the flame of the paschal candle gives light to individual candles, so the love of the Risen Lord inflames the hearts of the baptized, filling them with light and heat.”

Francis explained that in the early years of the Church, Baptism was also called “illumination,” and the newly Baptized were called the “illuminated,” following Jesus words that he is “the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

“To always walk as children of light, persevering in faith,” as it says in the Rite of Christian initiation of adults, is the Christian vocation, the pope said.

He also emphasized the right of children to a Christian education and the responsibility of parents and godparents to provide this and to nourish in children the baptismal graces, helping them to persevere in the faith.

Concluding his reflection, Pope Francis quoted a line from his latest apostolic exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate,” telling Christians to “let the grace of your Baptism bear fruit on a path of holiness… Do not be discouraged, because you have the power of the Holy Spirit so that it is possible.”

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