"If the Word of God does not enter..." Pope Francis

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Zenit published significant “Quotes” from the Pope’s homily of Oct. 17, 2017. Scripture is our first source in receiving God’s Revelation, alongside Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium. I hear continuity in Francis’ call to “listen” and that of Pope Emeritus posted at the end of this post:

If “ the Word of God does not enter” in the heart, “there is no place for love and, in the end, there is no place for freedom,” said Pope Francis… “Stupidity is not to listen,” he said. “The inability to listen to the Word” is “when the Word does not enter; I do not let it in because I do not listen,” the Pope explained, “The fool does not listen. He thinks he is listening, but he does not listen… And for this reason, the Word of God cannot enter the heart, and there is no place for love. And if it enters, it enters distilled, transformed by my conception of reality. ”…

The word “foolish” appears twice in the liturgy of today. Christ says it to the Pharisees (Luke 11: 37-41), while St. Paul refers to the Gentiles (Rom 1: 16-25), but also to the Galatians: therefore to Christians who were deceived by “new ideas “. This word, said the pope, is “more than a condemnation, it is a signal.”…

…The pope proposed an examination of conscience on these points: “Do I listen to the Word of God?” This Word is “living, effective, grateful to the feelings and thoughts of the heart.” “Do I let this Word enter,” continued the Pope, “or do I remain deaf?” Or I transform it into appearance, transform it into idolatry, idolatrous habits, transform it into ideology? And it does not enter … That is the stupidity of Christians. ”

In conclusion…“there are foolish Christians and even senseless pastors”. “Saint Augustine,” he said, “beat them very well, because the stupidity of the pastors hurts the flock.” The pope referred to the “stupidity of the corrupt pastor”, “the stupidity of the self-satisfied pastor, pagan” and the “stupidity of the ideological pastor.” “We look at the icon of foolish Christians,” said the Pope, “and beside this stupidity we look at the Lord who is always at the door” …

Full article can be read HERE

This important continuity of “listening to God’s Word” was also stressed by Pope Emeritus:

…who finds time to hear God’s word and to let themselves be attracted by his love? Who keeps watch, in the night of doubt and uncertainty, with a heart vigilant in prayer? Who awaits the dawn of the new day, fanning the flame of faith? Faith in God opens before us the horizon of a sure hope, one which does not disappoint; it indicates a solid foundation on which to base one’s life without fear; it demands a faith-filled surrender into the hands of the Love which sustains the world…(Pope Benedict XVI, May 13, 2010)

May the Holy Spirit inspire every Pastor and every flock to open the ears of their hearts to Listen to God’s Word! Through the intercession of Mary who kept His Word and pondered all in her heart ever intercede for us. Jesus we trust in You!