In any era, being a good Christian is not easy, pope says

[lemonbeam]

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) – Just as in Christ’s time, living the Christian virtues today is not an easy task because it often requires people to go against the current of society, Pope Benedict XVI said.

The pope spoke about the demands of the faith at a Sunday blessing at his villa outside Rome Aug. 23.

He recalled that the Gospel describes how when Christ’s own disciples found some of his teachings too hard to accept he challenged his apostles with the words, “Do you also want to leave?” It’s a question that has echoed down through the centuries among people grappling with faith, the pope said.

“Even today, not a few people remain scandalized by the paradox of the Christian faith. The teaching of Jesus seems hard, too difficult to welcome and put into practice,” he said.

“As a result, some refuse this teaching and abandon Christ. Some try to ‘adapt’ his words to the fashions of the time, distorting their meaning and value,” he said.

The pope said Christ is not satisfied with a superficial or formal adherence to the faith, or with an initial enthusiasm that dies out. Christianity must be a lifelong commitment, he said.

“Following Christ fills the heart with joy and gives complete meaning to our existence, but it brings problems and sacrifices because very often one has to go against the current,” he said.

The 82-year-old pontiff received warm applause when he showed the crowd his right arm, recently freed of a cast he had worn for five weeks after breaking his wrist.

He joked with pilgrims that while his hand was no longer bound it was “still a little lazy,” and, referring to the physical therapy he was undergoing, added: “I must remain for a while in the school of penitence, but we are moving forward.”

catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903799.htm

 

[manualman]

I wish local homilies were so good!

So rarely are we explicitly challenged to stand strong against all the toxic elements in our culture that many folks don’t even realize what those toxic elements are.

 

[MrsHall]

I never understand how people can say the Holy Father is “out of touch.” Everything he says is so practical and relevant.

Fr.'s homilies lately have been along this same vein. I guess I should pay attention.