On the feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis delivered a powerful message to the faithful, emphasizing the importance of putting Jesus, rather than ideology, at the center of their lives. In his homily, the Pope urged believers to embark on a journey of faith, seeking the signs of God’s presence in everyday life and in their interactions with others.
The Pope highlighted the need to move beyond mere theoretical knowledge of religion and instead focus on encountering and touching the lives of our fellow human beings. He emphasized that true faith is not found in elegant religious theories, but in the genuine connection with others and the willingness to serve them.
According to Pope Francis, the journey of faith requires a shift in perspective. Instead of being preoccupied with ideological debates and divisions, believers should prioritize the human person and their needs. This means putting Jesus at the center, as the ultimate example of love and compassion.
By setting out on this journey, the faithful can discover the true meaning of the Epiphany – the revelation of God’s presence in the world. The Pope encouraged believers to actively seek these signs of God’s presence, not only in grand gestures or extraordinary events, but also in the ordinary moments of life.
For Pope Francis, encountering the flesh of our brothers and sisters is a crucial aspect of this journey. It is through our interactions with others, especially those who are marginalized or in need, that we can truly encounter the presence of God. By reaching out and touching the lives of others, we can demonstrate the love and mercy of Jesus.
Furthermore, the Pope cautioned against the dangers of reducing faith to a mere intellectual exercise or a rigid adherence to doctrines. While theology and doctrine have their place, they should always serve as a means to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to better understand how to live out our faith in the world.
Pope Francis emphasized that true faith is not stagnant or isolated, but dynamic and engaged. It is a faith that seeks to transform the world and bring about justice and mercy. It is a faith that is rooted in love and seeks to build bridges rather than walls.
As the faithful celebrate the Epiphany, Pope Francis’s message serves as a reminder of the essence of true faith. It is not about empty rituals or ideological debates, but about encountering Jesus in the flesh of our brothers and sisters. By putting Jesus at the center of our lives, we can embark on a journey of faith that brings us closer to God and to one another.
So, let us heed the Pope’s call and seek the signs of God’s presence in everyday life. Let us reach out and touch the lives of those around us, especially those who are most in need. And let us remember that true faith is not found in elegant religious theories, but in the genuine encounter with Jesus and the embodiment of his love in our actions.