Knowing our Lord Jesus Christ is not just about having theoretical information about him, reciting prayers, or learning how to answer catechism questions correctly.
Newsroom (16/09/2024 15:00, Gaudium Press) Last Sunday 15, before the traditional recitation of the Marian Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of a true personal relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ, which goes beyond simple theoretical knowledge.
Knowing Jesus is not just about having theoretical information about him
Addressing the day’s liturgy, the Holy Father explained that when Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mk 8:29), St. Peter was the only one who answered correctly, affirming that Jesus is the Christ. Despite this, when he heard about the Lord’s suffering and death, the apostle objected, showing that his understanding was still limited by his human and worldly vision.
The Pontiff stressed that knowing our Lord Jesus Christ is not just about having theoretical information about him, reciting prayers, or learning how to answer catechism questions correctly. “You have to follow him, let yourself be touched and changed by his Gospel. It’s about having a relationship with Him, an encounter that transforms life.”
The danger of a faith that remains static and far from God
According to Francis, it’s not enough to know many things about Jesus if you don’t meet him, and “this encounter is necessary and changes your life: it changes the way you are, it changes the way you think, it changes the relationships you have with your brothers and sisters, your willingness to welcome and forgive, it changes the choices you make in life. Everything changes if you know Jesus!”
He then warned against the danger of a faith that remains static and far from God and urged the faithful to ask themselves what Christianity is for us today, or even who Christ is. “I ask myself who Jesus is for me and what place does he occupy in my life? May our mother Mary, who knew Jesus well, help us with this question,” he concluded. (EPC)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
