Faced with a Parliament that promotes destruction and distorts the truth about the family, advancing laws contrary to what Natural Law considers a family—a man and a woman, united until death, and open to life— Leo XIV, during his visit to Spain, made an explicit and very clear reference to the family willed by God when He created man and woman.
The Family, the Natural Foundation of Society and the Common Good
Leo XIV spoke of the family as the foundation of all civil society and as the leaven for the emergence of a nation. In short, the family is the true foundation of all human coexistence on earth (the phrases in italics are from his address to Parliament).
After emphasizing that: «The common good is, in a certain sense, «the social form of human dignity» (cf. *Magnifica humanitas*, 59). It does not consist in the mere sum of particular interests, but rather in the «set of conditions of social life that enable associations and each of their members to achieve their own perfection more fully and more easily» (Gaudium et spes, 26), writes:
«In this context, the family—the primary human reality and the natural foundation of the community—is of particular importance.».
A society in which families are falling apart; spouses have laws allowing them to formalize a breakup at any time; marriages are not open to life; parents neglect their children’s human, moral, and religious education; and same-sex unions are recognized as «legal marriages,» etc.—is a society headed for death and extinction.
León XIV Emphasizes the Irreplaceable Role of the Family in Building Nations
Speaking to families and reminding them that Jesus continues to pray to the Father for families, Leo XIV wrote a year ago: «That prayer of the Lord gives full meaning to the luminous moments of our mutual love as parents, grandparents, sons, and daughters. And this is what we want to proclaim to the world: we are here to be «one» just as the Lord wants us to be «one»—in our families and in the places where we live, work, and study: different, yet one; many, yet one; always one, in every circumstance and at every stage of life.».
«Brothers and sisters, if we love one another in this way, on the foundation of Christ, who is the "Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end" (cf. Rev 22:13), we will be a sign of peace for everyone, in society and in the world. We must not forget: the future of nations is born within families» (June 1, 2025),
"»In the home, generations intertwine, and a living memory is passed down, giving continuity to society.". Human beings are meant to live for many years; this means they become part of a story that they do not build from scratch, but into which they are immersed from childhood. Everything learned through family life serves as nourishment that enables every man and every woman to find their place in the world in which they are to live.
Who doesn't remember the deep joy of a grandmother as she took part in the Baptism of his first great-great-grandchild? If governments enact laws that seek to destroy the family, political power ceases to be about «service» and «seeking the common good,» and instead becomes a tyrannical dictatorship, an “abomination of abominations.”. «Where the family is supported, the spiritual and social stability of nations is also strengthened.».
Congress Hears from Pope Leo XIV | Europa Press.
Governments must learn to use all the resources at their disposal in the best possible way, with the «common good» of all people in mind, and that «common good» necessarily involves helping families with whatever they may need: housing, employment, medical care, etc.
If there is peace in families, there will be peace throughout society. If families pray together, society will pray together—in parishes, religious brotherhoods, and processions—and we will all walk in union with Jesus Christ and His Most Holy Mother. How joyful I have felt on more than a few occasions when entering a home to bless it, seeing a crucifix in every room, and a picture of the Blessed Virgin in the family’s gathering place—She who is the Queen of Families!
The Christian Family: The First School of Living Together, Love, and Service
«The family will always be the first school of humanity, where—before anywhere else—we learn the basic principles of living together: welcoming new life, caring for others, forgiving, serving, and belonging.».
By forgiving us for the mistakes we may make, our parents are teaching us a lesson in love and understanding—one that helps us learn to forgive, to ask for forgiveness; in short, to live in harmony with everyone around us. We learn to serve others and not to become trapped within ourselves, endlessly dwelling on what might hurt us in the actions of others. In a truly Christian family, selfishness and individualism simply fade away.
And it’s not just about asking for forgiveness and forgiving; in families, we learn to care for others—parents, siblings, close and distant relatives—by reaching out to meet their needs. We put an end to all selfishness and learn to serve by loving our parents, our siblings, and our relatives: their triumphs are our triumphs; their sorrows and pains are our sorrows and pains; their joys are our joys.
The family is the cradle of new life. Older brothers welcome those who come after them with open hearts; older sisters joyfully shoulder the spirit and burden of motherhood that a mother—especially in families with six, seven, eight, nine… children—does not always have the strength to bear.
The right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their beliefs
And finally, remember «the fundamental and inalienable right» of parents to «choose the type of education and training their children receive, in accordance with their own moral, cultural, and religious convictions.».
Ernesto Juliá, (ernesto.julia@gmail.com) | Previously published in Religion Confidential.
Table of Contents
João Victor, from Doctor to Seminarian: How a Priest Can Apply Medicine to Souls
He had just finished his grueling medical school program when, in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, João Victor Corrêa Maiolino began spending more time in prayer. “”When I finished my residency, the very next day I was already with my brothers at the seminary," says this 31-year-old seminarian from the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). He has been living in Spain for a year at the Bidasoa International Seminary. In his testimony, João Victor provides us with the keys to applying medicine in the spiritual guidance and healing of souls.
An ordinary family
João Victor Corrêa Maiolino was born in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. He comes from a very modest family. His father (Francisco Vicente), a doctor by profession, spent a little more time away from home, but he was present in his own discreet and observant way. His mother (Rosane) is a teacher and applied her knowledge of pedagogy to raising him and his two older siblings: Thiago and his sister Lívia. “I’m the youngest, even though I’m not the shortest,”, she says with a smile.
“My family doesn’t have a strong Catholic tradition. We’ve all been baptized, but only my brother and I actively practice our faith. My father practices his faith more discreetly and usually attends Mass on occasions such as a funeral, a wedding, or some other family celebration. My mom and my sister practice another religion, Kardecist Spiritism,” he explains.
However, even though his parents do not practice the Catholic faith, they chose a Salesian Catholic school for his education. And in their family life, with moments of joy and fun, Their mother always made them make up after they argued with each other.
The Importance of Sports in His Personal Development
Adolescence is a time of change and rebellion, but João Victor went through it without much fuss. His concerns were much more about sports than anything else. “What I was passionate about was playing basketball. I didn’t like studying—I just passed my classes and that was it. However, I played basketball at a high level, to the point where I moved to Rio de Janeiro at age 16 to play for the Fluminense club,” he says.
This athletic experience helped him a great deal in his personal development, because It allowed him to develop very important skills, such as teamwork, discipline and the ability to prepare for major challenges under pressure. However, he did not continue his athletic career because he suffered several injuries, and at age 17, he had to choose between basketball and attending college. He chose to pursue his studies.
The tough six years of medical school
“I chose medicine. Since it’s a very competitive field of study in Brazil, I had to study really hard to get a spot—especially since I’d never studied that much before. In the end, it took me two years of preparatory classes to make it, and at age 19, I started college,” recalls the young Brazilian.
After six years of college, He began working as a resident physician. He had a girlfriend, and his life was going very well.
My calling came with the pandemic
However, During the pandemic, in 2020, he began to devote more time to prayer and, as circumstances allowed, to the sacraments as well.
He recalls the intimate moments with God from that time: “Little by little, I grew so much in my intimacy with God and drew closer and closer to Him. Until, at a certain point, A new question arose in my heart: Why not become a priest? My first reaction was to reject that idea right away. But it didn't work. The question kept coming up again and again, until I decided to face it head-on. I shared this with my parish priest, and during the discernment process, I ended my relationship and chose to take this calling seriously.”.
For two years, while completing his residency in Family and Community Medicine, he discerned his vocation. Since his residency was at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), he lived in Rio and participated in the Archdiocese’s vocational meetings there. Little by little, doors began to open, though not without effort and courage. “When I finished my residency, the very next day I was already with my brothers at the seminary,”, judgment.
The First Seminarian from Rio in Bidasoa
Thus, in 2024, he began his training as a seminarian at the Propaedeutic Seminary of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, and in early 2025, he had the opportunity to come to study at the Bidasoa Seminary to continue their education. He has been in Spain for about a year, “where I feel very at home,” he says.
When he received the invitation to study in Pamplona, he felt a mix of emotions: surprise, joy, fear, uncertainty, gratitude, and many others. “It was very unusual, because I went the first seminarian from the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro to come to Bidasoa to study the first year of philosophy. Until then, everyone else had come solely to begin their studies in theology. For me, this opportunity has been a great blessing from God.”.
A movement among young people to draw closer to the faith
Regarding the Church in Brazil He says that reality is very diverse in such a large country. And something new is changing: “I get the impression that, Right now, there is a growing movement toward faith, especially among young people, driven in part by digital apostolate initiatives.”.
This young Brazilian man says that Many young people are discovering a certain emptiness in today's world. Notice how social media—especially platforms like TikTok—is taking up more and more of people’s time, but often without helping them find a deeper meaning in their lives. When they discover that the Church has a solid history spanning two thousand years—one that continues to be tangibly present in the lives of so many people—they feel a desire to get to know it better, and many end up drawing closer to the faith.
Pastoral Life, Vocations, and Priests
The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro has a very vibrant pastoral life, and depending on the region, different charisms can be found. As a result of this reality, There are a large number of vocationsYes, both for diocesan life and for the religious life of men and women.
There are 162 seminarians at the Major Seminary and 41 at the Preparatory Seminary. “Without a doubt, this high number is also the result of the excellent work of Cardinal Don Orani, the prayers of the people of God, and the reawakening of faith among young people that I mentioned earlier,” he says.
He also points out that there are quite a few priests in the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, but since it is such a large city, “I think that if there were more, it would be even better,” especially because of the need for priests in outlying areas. “Furthermore, there are priests who live alone and, in some cases, are somewhat isolated, without much contact with fellow priests, which would help them live out their brotherhood more fully,” he laments.
As an example of the pastoral, social, and charitable work carried out by the Church in its diocese, he cites his home parish, Santos Anjos. It grew out of a project promoted by Don Hélder Câmara, called the São Sebastião Crusade, which included the the construction of a church, ten apartment buildings for families living in the favelas, a school, and a parish center dedicated to technical and vocational training. The idea was to provide opportunities to those most in need in a high-income neighborhood like Leblon.
The Challenges Facing the Church in Brazil
João Victor points out that Brazil is a nation with a deep Catholic tradition, but for many years, the faith has been viewed and practiced primarily as a cultural expression, without reaching a deeper level of experience and without understanding the most basic aspects of the faith.
“This has led to the growth of Protestant communities in recent decades, which, in turn, has become an opportunity for Let us Catholics deepen our own formation”and may we be able to give an account of our faith and the hope that is within us,", he says enthusiastically.
Another major challenge is indifference toward God. “We live in a culture where many people organize their lives as if God did not exist, and this is not limited to Europe. It is, without a doubt, a major challenge for evangelization. However, I believe it can be overcome, especially through the example of one's life. A life that is consistent, centered on God, and focused on the people closest to us is ”like a candle that burns itself out to bring light and warmth to others,", says this seminarian.
His experience among Spaniards
As for his experience in Spain, many things have surprised him. First of all, the entire history that speaks to us through architecture, through the great temples, and through a millennia-old culture that remains present not only in the buildings but also in the way many people live their lives.
“I spent Holy Week in Granada and I had the chance to see how practically the entire city took part in the processions: some as float bearers, others playing in the bands, and still others simply accompanying or watching the brotherhoods pass by. What impressed me most was seeing that ”The whole city celebrated Holy Week as one,", recounts.
However, he got the impression that there wasn’t always a strictly religious motive behind that participation. In other words, not everyone participated out of faith. “But I don’t see it as a problem; rather, I see it as a reflection of a society that has gradually been drifting away from God. In fact, it seems to me that it’s a a great opportunity for evangelization, ”because it shows that there is still an open door to sow the Gospel in the hearts of many people.".
Contrasts Between Brazil and Spain
He has also noticed differences between Brazil and Spain: “It is one of the major challenges facing our country: urban violence. ”In Rio de Janeiro, drug trafficking has a strong presence, and many people live in fear and feel vulnerable in this context of violence. All of this influences the way people live, think, and make decisions, since they often have to take into account potential risks that shape their daily lives,” he says.
Although we also face insecurity in Spain, it’s not comparable to your country. “A a child growing up in an environment like the one I've found in Spain, ”With a greater sense of security, you can enjoy many experiences with greater peace of mind. In the face of this problem, the Church plays a fundamental role, for only God’s love is capable of transforming hearts in a profound and genuine way,” he says.
The priest who wants to become a doctor of souls
After completing his training in Spain, he will return to Brazil to be ordained as a priest. And this raises some inevitable questions: “How can we proclaim Christ to people today?”What kind of priest do I want to become?".
João Victor offers some insights, drawing a parallel between medicine and the priesthood: “I believe that priests, just like doctors, need to develop many skills. Not only a solid theoretical foundation, but also great sensitivity in dealing with people, keen powers of observation, ”pastoral sensitivity and closeness to the people God has entrusted to him.".
But above all, he asserts that A priest is a man of prayer. “The graces he receives, the fruits of his ministry, the effectiveness of his preaching, and all his pastoral work do not come solely from his own efforts, but from its correspondence with God's grace. ”In short, it is God who does the work. We are merely His instruments.”.
That is why, in order to reach people’s hearts—whether they are young people or those who are farthest from God—a life of prayer is necessary. “We must follow the path that God shows us, listen to and recognize the voice of his sheep, protect them with our very lives, and love them. Deep down, there isn’t much to figure out: ”It's simply a matter of following in Christ's footsteps,", concludes this Brazilian seminarian.
The Pope's Homily at the Sagrada Familia
The visit of the Papa The visit to the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona left one of those images that remain etched in the collective memory of the Church. The blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ—the tallest tower in the church designed by Antoni Gaudí—was much more than an architectural or cultural event. It was an occasion to remember that Faith continues to illuminate the world when it is expressed through beauty, truth, and charity.
A Church That Is Always Under Construction
One of the central messages of the homily was the comparison between the basilica and the Christian life itself. The Sagrada Familia is still under construction after more than 140 years. Far from considering this a shortcoming, the Pope He presented this reality as a sign of hope.
The Church It, too, is always a work in progress. And every baptized person is part of it as a living stone called to take a place in God’s plan.
This image is especially meaningful for those who dedicate their lives to proclaiming the Gospel. Christian formation never ends. Priests, seminarians, religious, and laypeople are all called to allow ourselves to be continually shaped by grace so that we may collaborate in the work that God is doing in each heart.
Early 20th-century postcard of the Sagrada Familia under construction, by Römmler & Jonas.
God continues to call builders for His Church
As he reflected on the words God spoke to King David, the Pope recalled a fundamental truth: it is not we who build a house for God; it is God who builds a house for us.
Every vocation arises from this divine initiative
Even today, the Lord continues to call young people from all over the world to the priesthood, to consecrated life, and to various forms of delivery Christian. She does this in modern cities and in small villages, in families believers and in places where faith barely survives.
Pope Leo XIV during the solemn Mass at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia.
Vocations need to be guided, nurtured, and supported
That is why the mission of institutions such as the CARF Foundation is so particularly important to the life of the Church. The Comprehensive Formation of Priests, Seminarians, and Religious It is not a secondary task. It is a direct investment in the evangelization of the world.
Every well-trained priest will be able to guide thousands of souls throughout his ministry. Every seminarian A person who receives a solid human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation becomes a source of hope for countless people who will one day find in him a shepherd.
Gaudí understood that beauty leads to God
On the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death, the Pope wished to honor the brilliant Catalan architect as a deeply devout man who put his talent at the service of God.
The Sagrada Familia was not conceived solely as a masterpiece of architecture to be admired. It was designed to proclaim the Gospel.
Gaudí understood something that Christian tradition has known for centuries: beauty can open up paths that words sometimes fail to traverse.
Anyone who enters the basilica Discover a catechesis built with stone, light, color, and proportions. Everything leads to Christ. Everything invites contemplation. Everything speaks of God.
But beauty needs interpreters
Even the finest work of art can become nothing more than a tourist attraction if no one helps people discover its deeper meaning. That is why the Church needs well-prepared priests who are able to explain the faith, provide spiritual guidance, and show how created beauty always points to the infinite Beauty of God.
Close-up of the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia, David Zorrakino / EP.
The Cross as a Response to Human Suffering
One of the most powerful moments of the homily came when the Pope reminded the congregation that one cannot believe in Jesus Christ and at the same time promote war, kill the innocent, or abandon those who are suffering.
It is not a symbol of human power. It is the sign of a love that gives itself completely. It is God's response to the world's suffering.
That is precisely why the formation of future priests and evangelizers cannot be limited to the acquisition of knowledge theological. It must prepare hearts capable of walking alongside those who suffer, proclaiming hope and bringing Christ’s comfort to those who need it most.
Evangelizing Through Beauty, Truth, and Charity
Perhaps the most relevant message of this homily is the close relationship between evangelization and beauty.
In a culture dominated by images, the Church continues to find in art, architecture, music, and culture special ways to bring people closer to God. However, these paths require credible witnesses.
Beauty opens the door. Truth enlightens the mind. Charity transforms the heart.
That is why the Church needs well-trained men and women who know how to engage with the contemporary world without renouncing the richness of the Gospel.
The Sagrada Familia, with its towers rising toward the sky, reminds us that all authentic evangelization helps people to lift their gaze. And that behind every great work of the Church there are always people who have generously responded to God’s call.
Construction of the basilica continues. Construction of the church also continues. And for this task, they continue to be Vocations, formation, and generosity are indispensable of those who work together to ensure that Christ's message reaches every corner of the world.
Full Homily
Sagrada Família Basilica (Barcelona) Wednesday, June 10, 2026
[Spanish and Catalan]
"Lord, may Your name—which is so glorious—be exalted throughout the earth!» (Sl 8:2:10). With the praise of this psalm, so full of joy and wonder, I greet all of you, dear brothers and sisters. I express my gratitude to Their Majesties; I thank Cardinal Juan José Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona, as well as my fellow bishops and all those who join us in prayer: priests, deacons, and men and women religious.
On this festive afternoon for the entire city of Barcelona, I extend my grateful greetings to the public authorities, as well as to the members of other Christian communities and other religions who are joining us in this celebration of thanksgiving.
Today, the Basilica of the Sagrada Família welcomes us to this beautiful city, opening its doors as if they were arms inviting everyone to this altar to listen to the Word of God. It is a church that makes us a family beloved by the Lord, nourished by his very life in the Eucharist. This is how the city of Barcelona and all of Catalonia come together in this church, a sign as well of unity and harmony, and lift their gaze to encounter the face of God the Father, resplendent in his Son made man, Jesus Christ.
Pope Benedict has already consecrated it
As we give thanks to the Lord for his love toward us, we praise him for all that he does in our lives. We give Him thanks especially for this extraordinary basilica, which Pope Benedict XVI consecrated in 2010, recalling that it is a visible sign of the invisible God, and that its towers rise up for His glory (cf. Homily for the Consecration, November 7, 2010). Continuing in the spirit of my predecessor’s prayer, in a few moments I will bless the tallest tower, that of Jesus Christ.
[Today, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia welcomes us to this beautiful city, opening its doors as if they were its arms to invite each of us to this altar to listen to the Word of God. It is a church that makes us a family loved by the Lord, nourished by his very life in the Eucharist. This is how Barcelona and all of Catalonia come together in this church—a sign of unity and harmony—and lift their gaze to encounter the face of God. Father, shining forth in her Son made man, Jesus Christ.
As we give thanks to the Lord for his love toward us, we praise him for what he does in our lives. We give Him thanks in particular for this extraordinary basilica, which Pope Benedict XVI consecrated in 2010, recalling that it is a visible sign of the invisible God, for whose glory its towers rise (cf. Homily for the Consecration, November 7, 2010). Continuing in the spirit of my predecessor’s prayer, in a few moments I will bless the highest tower—that of Jesus Christ.]
Much more than just a monument
This church is a single building, made up of many stones. A house that grows steadily over the years, following a single plan. All of us are the living stones of this work, which has Christ as its foundation and crowning glory, its beginning and end. Much more than a monument, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia remains a work in progress today, reminding us that the Christian life is always a journey, because it is a project that God is carrying out.
We do not, therefore, inhabit an unfinished work, but a temple still under construction. Its imperfection is not a flaw, for it bears witness to a desire; it does not signify a lack, but rather expresses a promise that we wish to honor consistently. Our gratitude thus becomes a commitment as we cooperate in God’s plan—that is, in the building to which He Himself calls us. Since we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Co 6:16:19), this work is one with our lives, which God conceives as a masterpiece that we are to create together, and He calls us to collaborate with Him (cf. 1 Co 3,9).
In this regard, we hold dear in our hearts the words the Lord spoke to King David: «Are you going to build me a house to be my dwelling place?» (2 Sam 7.5). On the contrary, «the Lord tells you that he is going to build a house for you» (v. 11).
Through this passage, Scripture teaches us that it is not we who give God a place, as if He were an element in a series or part of a whole greater than Himself. Rather, it is God who gives us a place, and the place He gives us is His own heart: the place of the Son, for us who were once strangers; the place of the Beloved, for us who are sinners.
The Lord is with us
His will is fulfilled through Jesus; we can therefore understand the meaning of what we heard in the Gospel, when the Lord says to the Pharisees: «Unless you believe that “I am,” you will die in your sins» (Jn 8,24).
Strong words—but they are by no means threats or blackmail. They are an invitation to salvation—that is, a call to freedom from Christ, who desires for us the ultimate, eternal good.
In the face of evil, the Lord is always with us, always on our side. “I am”: this is the Most Holy Name that God revealed to Moses from the burning bush, revealing His unwavering faithfulness. Becoming man, He becomes for us the Emmanuel, the source of grace and forgiveness, of salvation and new life.
Dear brothers and sisters, we cannot believe in Jesus and promote war. We cannot believe in Jesus and kill the innocent. We cannot believe in Jesus and abandon those who suffer, those who weep, and those who flee from misery.
On this night, then, the Cross of Christ, which crowns this basilica, is the Cross of the last, who become the first; of sinners who become saints; of the dead who are raised to life.
The three facades of the Sagrada Família bear witness to this: the First becomes the Last for us at Christmas; through his sacrifice, he redeems us through the Passion; his death gives us eternal life, making us partakers of divine glory. As we admire the tower of Jesus Christ, I looked over at her, Praise be to the One who reveals to us the truth about God and the truth about ourselves.
By looking to Christ, we can see the world with fresh eyes: the tower of the cross then becomes a symbol of charity, for God loves us in this way, transforming an instrument of death into a sign of hope. On the cross of Jesus, our faith reaches its peak, as professed by the inscription found at the base of the spire: “You alone are Holy, You alone are Lord, You alone are Most High”. This cross shines by day, reflecting the sunlight, and shines by night, illuminating the city like a lighthouse overlooking the Mediterranean.
[Tonight, then, let us remember that the Cross of Christ, which crowns this basilica, is the Cross of the last who become the first, of sinners who become saints, of the dead who will rise again. The three facades of the Sagrada Família bear witness to this: the First becomes the Last for our sake at the Nativity; through his sacrifice, he redeems us through the Passion; his death gives us eternal life, making us sharers in divine glory.
As we admire the tower of Jesus Christ, we lift our gaze toward Him, toward the One who alone reveals to us the truth of God and the truth of ourselves. By looking to Christ, we can see the world with renewed eyes: the tower of the cross then becomes a banner of charity, because God loves us in this way, transforming an instrument of death into a sign of hope.
On the cross of Jesus, our faith reaches its pinnacle, as proclaimed by the inscription at the base of the spire: “Tu solus Sanctus, Tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus.” This cross shines by day, reflecting the sunlight, and shines by night, illuminating the city like a lighthouse facing the Mediterranean.]
The Light of the Risen One
Yes, the light of Christ shines in the darkness, even though the darkness has not accepted it (cf. Jn 1.5.11). However, this rejection does not mean that God’s love is lacking: «When you have lifted up the Son of Man,» says the Lord, “then you will know that I Am and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak just as the Father has taught me” (Jn 8,28).
We must pass through the passion of the Crucified One to be enlightened by the glory of the Risen One: for from all eternity, the Father has taught us to give our lives, and the Son—who receives life from the Father—gives it to all through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is precisely why the cross is the radiant sign of his love.
It is faith that gives shape to the stones and meaning to the building we inhabit together. In our prayer, therefore, we discover the original connection between all things and God, the creator of heaven and earth: He is the artist who has imprinted His splendor on the cosmos.
Created in His image, humankind responds to God’s work with its own ingenuity: this is how the artist transforms talent into praise and creativity into a testimony to the Creator Himself. As an architect with a fervent faith, the venerable Antoni Gaudí conceived these spaces with the desire to recount the mysteries of the Lord’s life: in this way, he has offered us a spiritual pilgrimage that leads to an encounter with Christ—born, died, and risen for us.
Together with Gaudí, whose centennial of his death we are commemorating, we remember and give thanks this afternoon to all the promoters and benefactors, the artists, and the workers who collaborated in the construction of an architectural masterpiece—one that is also an eloquent catechesis made of stone, color, and light.
In this way, the Church renews the Biblia pauperum of the ancient cathedrals, which are themselves messages of evangelization of great richness. In this age of imagery, it is even more evident how art and beauty are preeminent channels of evangelization.
[It is precisely faith that shapes the stones and gives meaning to the edifice we inhabit together. In our prayer, therefore, we discover the original connection between all things and God, the Creator of heaven and earth: He is the Artist who has imprinted His splendor on the cosmos. Created in His image, humankind responds to God’s work with its own ingenuity: this is how the artist transforms talent into praise and creativity into a testimony to the Creator Himself.
As an architect of fervent faith, the venerable Antoni Gaudí conceived these spaces with the desire to recount the mysteries of the Lord’s life: in this way, he has offered us a spiritual pilgrimage that leads to an encounter with Christ—born, died, and risen for us. Together with Gaudí, on the centenary of whose death we are commemorating, we remember and give thanks this afternoon to all the promoters and benefactors, the artists, and the workers who contributed to the construction of an architectural masterpiece—one that is also an eloquent catechesis made of stone, color, and light.
In its wisdom, the Church thus renews the *Biblia pauperum* of the ancient cathedrals, which are in themselves messages of evangelization of great richness. In this age of imagery, it is even more evident how art and beauty are preeminent channels of evangelization.]
Dear brothers and sisters, the beauty of this church inspires us to learn more and more from our Master and Lord the art of living according to His Gospel. While We lift our eyes to Him, the Crucified and Risen One, let us commit ourselves to lifting up the faces of those who lie in the dust (cf. 1 Sam 2,8).
And let us thus demonstrate that the Sagrada Família is the tallest church in the world—not to stand out in worldly rankings, but to guide the steps of God’s people as they journey through this land of Catalonia, with the cross illuminating the way, like a lamp burning brightly as they await the return of the Bridegroom.
Table of Contents
Psalm 23: Trust in God and the Image of Christ as the Good Shepherd
In 2011, during the general audience in St. Peter's Square in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI devoted the gathering to reflecting on Psalm 23, the well-known "Good Shepherd" psalm.
Dear brothers and sisters:
Turning to the Lord in prayer involves a radical act of trust, with the awareness that we are placing our trust in God, who is good, «compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in kindness and faithfulness» (Ex 34, 6-7; Salt 86, 15; cf. Jl 2, 13; Gn 4, 2; Salt 103, 8; 145, 8; Ne 9, 17). That is why today I would like to reflect with you on a Psalm that is completely imbued with trust, in which the psalmist expresses his serene certainty that he is guided and protected, kept safe from all danger, because the Lord is his shepherd. It is the Psalm 23—according to the Greco-Roman calendar, 22—a text familiar to all and loved by all.
The trust in God inspired by Psalm 23
»The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”: this is how this beautiful prayer begins, evoking the nomadic lifestyle of shepherds and the bond of mutual trust that develops between the shepherd and the sheep that make up his small flock. The image evokes an atmosphere of trust, intimacy, and tenderness: the shepherd knows each of his sheep individually, calls them by name, and they follow him because they recognize him and trust him (cf. Jn 10, 2-4).
He cares for them, guards them as precious treasures, ready to defend them, to ensure their well-being, and to allow them to live in peace. Nothing can be lacking if the shepherd is with them. The psalmist refers to this experience, calling God his shepherd and allowing himself to be guided by him to safe pastures:
«He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters and restores my strength; He guides me along the right path, for the sake of His name» (vv. 2–3).
The Lord Is My Shepherd: A Sure Guide in Life
The scene that unfolds before our eyes is one of green meadows and springs of clear water, oases of peace to which the shepherd leads his flock—symbols of the places of life to which the Lord leads the psalmist, who feels like the sheep lying down on the grass beside a spring, in a moment of rest—not in tension or a state of alarm—but trusting and at peace, because the place is safe, the water is fresh, and the shepherd watches over them.
And let us not forget that the scene evoked by the Psalm is set in a largely desert land, scorched by the blazing sun, where the semi-nomadic shepherd of the Middle East lives with his flock in the parched steppes that stretch out around the villages. But the shepherd knows where to find grass and fresh water—essential for life—and knows how to lead his flock to the oasis where the soul «renews its strength» and can regain the strength and new energy needed to set out once more.
As the psalmist says, God leads him to «green pastures» and «still waters,» where everything is in abundance, everything is given in abundance. If the Lord is the shepherd, even in the desert—a place of absence and death—the certainty of a profound presence of life remains undiminished, to the point where we can say, «I lack nothing.».
The shepherd, in fact, cares for the well-being of his flock; he adapts his own pace and demands to those of his sheep, walks and lives with them, guiding them along «right» paths—that is, paths suited to them—and attending to their needs rather than his own. His priority is the safety of his flock, and that is what he seeks as he guides them.
Dear brothers and sisters, we too, like the psalmist, if we follow the «Good Shepherd,» even if the paths of our lives prove difficult, winding, or long—often even through spiritually barren lands, without water and under the scorching sun of rationalism—under the guidance of the Good Shepherd, Christ, we can be certain that we are walking along the «righteous» paths, and that the Lord is guiding us, is always near us, and we will lack nothing.
Trust in God in the Face of Difficulties
That is why the psalmist can express a sense of peace and security free from uncertainty and fear:
«Even though I walk through the darkest valleys, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me» (v. 4).
Those who walk with the Lord—even in the dark valleys of suffering, uncertainty, and all human problems—feel secure. You are with me: this is what we know for certain, the certainty that sustains us. The darkness of the night is frightening, with its shifting shadows, the difficulty in discerning dangers, and its silence filled with indecipherable sounds. If the flock moves after sunset, when visibility becomes uncertain, it’s normal for the sheep to become restless; there’s a risk of stumbling, straying, or getting lost, and there’s also the fear that potential predators might be hiding in the darkness.
To describe the «dark» valley, the psalmist uses a Hebrew expression that evokes the darkness of death; therefore, the valley that must be crossed is a place of anguish, of terrible threats, and of mortal danger. Yet the one praying moves forward with confidence, without fear, because he knows that the Lord is with him. That «You are with me» is a proclamation of unshakable trust, and it encapsulates a radical experience of faith; God’s nearness transforms reality, the dark valley loses all its danger, and is emptied of every threat. The flock can now walk in peace, accompanied by the familiar sound of the staff striking the ground, signaling the shepherd’s reassuring presence.
This comforting image concludes the first part of the Psalm and gives way to a different scene. We are still in the desert, where the shepherd lives with his flock, but now we are transported beneath his tent, which opens to offer hospitality:
«You set a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup overflows» (v. 5).
Now the Lord is presented as the One who welcomes the person praying, with signs of generous hospitality full of thoughtful attention. The divine host prepares the meal on the «table,» a term that in Hebrew, in its original sense, refers to the animal hide spread out on the ground, upon which food was placed for a communal meal.
It is a gesture of sharing not only food but also life, an offering of fellowship and friendship that forges bonds and expresses solidarity. Next comes the generous gift of perfumed oil poured on the head, which soothes the scorching heat of the desert sun, refreshes and soothes the skin, and lifts the spirit with its fragrance. Finally, the overflowing chalice adds a festive touch with its exquisite wine, shared with overflowing generosity. Food, oil, wine: these are the gifts that give life and joy because they go beyond what is strictly necessary and express the gratuitousness and abundance of love.
The Psalm 104, celebrating the Lord’s providential goodness, proclaims: «You cause grass to grow for the cattle, and fodder for those who serve man. He brings forth bread from the fields, and wine that gladdens the heart; oil that gives his face a healthy glow, and bread that gives him strength» (vv. 14–15).
The psalmist becomes the focus of much attention; thus, he is seen as a traveler who finds refuge in a welcoming tent, while his enemies must stop and watch, unable to intervene, because the one they considered their prey is now in a safe place; he has become a sacred guest, untouchable. And we are the psalmist if we are truly believers in communion with Christ. When God opens his tent to welcome us, nothing can harm us.
Then, when the traveler sets out again, divine protection continues and accompanies him on his journey: «Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever» (v. 6).
God’s goodness and faithfulness are the escort that accompanies the psalmist as he leaves the tent and sets out once more on his journey. But this journey takes on new meaning, becoming a pilgrimage to the Lord’s temple—the holy place where the worshiper wishes to «dwell» forever and to which he longs to «return.» The Hebrew verb used here means «to return,» but with a slight vowel change, it can be understood as «to dwell,» and this is how it is rendered in the ancient versions and in most modern translations.
Both meanings can be retained: returning to the temple and dwelling there is the desire of every Israelite, and dwelling near God, in His presence and goodness, is the longing and yearning of every believer—to truly dwell where God is, near God. Following the Shepherd leads to his home; it is the goal of every journey, the longed-for oasis in the desert, the sheltering tent when fleeing from enemies, the place of peace where one experiences God’s goodness and faithful love, day after day, in the serene joy of an endless time.
The imagery of this Psalm, with its richness and depth, has accompanied the entire history and religious experience of the people of Israel, and continues to accompany Christians. The figure of the shepherd, in particular, evokes the early days of the Exodus, the long journey through the desert, like a flock under the guidance of the divine Shepherd (cf. Is 63, 11-14; Salt 77:20–21; 78:52–54). And in the Promised Land, it was the king who was tasked with tending the Lord’s flock, like David, the shepherd chosen by God and a figure of the Messiah (cf. 2 Sam 5, 1-2; 7, 8; Salt 78, 70-72).
Then, after the Babylonian exile, in what was almost a new Exodus (cf. Is 40:3–5, 9–11; 43:16–21), Israel is led back to its homeland like a lost and found sheep, guided by God to green pastures and places of rest (cf. Ez 34, 11-16.23-31).
Jesus Christ, the Fullness of Trust in God
But it is in the Lord Jesus that all the evocative power of our Psalm reaches its fullness and finds its full meaning: Jesus is the «Good Shepherd» who goes in search of the lost sheep, who knows his sheep and lays down his life for them (cf. Mt 18, 12-14; Lc 15, 4-7; Jn 10, 2–4, 11–18), he is the way, the right way that leads us to life (cf. Jn 14:6), the light that illuminates the dark valley and overcomes all our fears (cf. Jn 1, 9; 8, 12; 9, 5; 12, 46).
He is the generous host who welcomes us and keeps us safe from our enemies by setting the table for us with his body and blood (cf. Mt 26, 26-29; Mc 14, 22-25; Lc 22:19–20) and the final table of the messianic banquet in heaven (cf. Lc 14, 15 ff.; Ap 3:20; 19:9). He is the royal Shepherd, a king of gentleness and forgiveness, enthroned on the glorious wood of the cross (cf. Jn 3, 13-15; 12, 32; 17, 4-5).
Dear brothers and sisters, Psalm 23 invites us to renew our trust in God, entrusting ourselves completely to His care. Let us therefore pray with faith that the Lord may grant us—even on the difficult paths of our time—to always walk in his ways as a docile and obedient flock, that he may welcome us into his house, to his table, and lead us to «still waters,» so that, as we receive the gift of his Spirit, we may drink from his springs—sources of that living water «that springs up to eternal life» (Jn 4:14; cf. 7:37–39). Thank you.
Best regards
I cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims, especially the priests of the Pontifical Mexican College and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Holy Angels, as well as the groups from Spain, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, and other Latin American countries. I invite you, dear brothers and sisters, to deepen your life of prayer, turning with confidence to the Lord, who is good and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in compassion. Thank you very much.
Benedict XVI. General Audience, October 5, 2011. (Read here) Location: St. Peter's Square, in Rome.
Table of Contents
What Is a Novena and How to Pray It
Catholic Church doctrine teaches that the saints and the Virgin Mary «never cease to intercede for us before the Father» and that «their brotherly care is of great help to us in our suffering» (Lumen gentium 49). Novenas help us in our prayer when they are properly understood within the context of sound doctrine.
In the Middle Ages, Spain and France introduced the "novena of preparation" for the Christmas. for remembering the nine months of Our Lady's pregnancy. In Spain, the Council of Toledo in 656 transferred the feast of the Annunciation to December 18 (within the ninth).
For this reason the novena took on a sense of anticipation and preparation for a feast.. The best models of preparation are Jesus and Mary, preparing for the birth. We prepare ourselves in this world for eternal life.
From the novena of preparation arose the custom, which began in France and Belgium, of doing novenas to the Virgin Mary and the saints for various intentions.
In the seventeenth century the Church formally granted the first indulgence to a novena in honor of St. Francis Xavier, awarded by Pope Alexander VII.
Today, the Church believes that the structure of the nine repetitions refers to the nine days between the Ascension y Pentecost. In the Bible, this period is, for Jesus« disciples and his mother, a time of waiting that they spend in prayer. »They all devoted themselves to prayer with one accord.” Acts 1: 14 at the end of which they received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we too can to live the novena as a time of prayer in expectation of a grace.
What is a novena?
The novena, from Latin "novem», nine.".
As explained in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the novena It is a series of nine. The sequence of nine may refer to consecutive days (e.g., the nine days leading up to a liturgical feast) or to nine specific days of the week or month (e.g., the first nine Fridays).
Some have a long tradition associated with devotion to a saint or with entrusting a particular intention or grace to God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), to the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints.
The novena has a spiritual meaning. It is directly related to the act of devotion that is demonstrated by praying it. Like all prayers, these are a way of praising God. Mary encouraged the apostles to pray for nine days to receive the Holy Spirit. That act of the mother of Jesus teaches the faithful the importance of constancy of faith.
How should we pray, and when should we do so?
It is a special way to pray because allows us to take time for prayer, bringing quality to our engagement. In fact, when our prayer is accompanied by a deep desire to open our hearts to God in order to experience his real presence and place ourselves in his hands, the Lord can act and humbly make us understand his will.
There is no need to wait for a specific date to begin a novena: the best moment is undoubtedly when we feel the need or the desire to do it.. Every major prayer intention we have and every major discernment we have to make is a potential opportunity to begin a novena. The key is consistency.
The content of each one is different, but most of them offer at least one daily meditation, often written from a Bible passage or spiritual book, and a prayeroften addressed to God through the intercession of a saint.
It is also good to present our prayer by placing ourselves in the presence of the Lord with the sign of the cross and a word. And conclude it, for example, by reciting the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.
There are many and varied reasons to pray a novena. In addition to those that we can do at any time of the year according to the events that affect our life, the tradition proposes to pray a novena before the feast of a saint or a great Christian feast. In this case, the novena begins 8 days before, so that the last day falls on the date of the feast.
Among the novenas Some of the most common annual observances include, for example, the feast of St. Joseph, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, fasting during Lent, and the feast of the Holy Spirit in preparation for Pentecost.
A wonderful variety of novenas
Preparation: These are the prayers recited in preparation for a Church holiday, or before a sacrament or for some other spiritual reason. Their purpose is to prepare the soul for this important day. They are recited for the sake of the deceased and to comfort their family and friends. With the focus on a great Christian feast, this is an excellent way to prepare our hearts to rejoice fully!
From Preview: There are several types; the most popular is the mourning novena, which is prayed before or after a funeral to pray for the repose of the deceased or to ask for comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
From request: These are requests we need to bring before God, and to do so, we must trust that they will be heard. We can also say a novena to pray for others: a loved one, priestly vocations, or even the souls in purgatory.
From indulgence: are those that are prayed for the remission of sins. They are prayed as an act of penance for sins committed. These novenas are prayed in conjunction with the sacrament of confession and attendance to the
From Discernment: "Give your servant an attentive heart so that he may know (...) how to discern between good and evil." 1 Kings 3: 9. Doing the will of God is only possible by entrusting to him, through prayer, our need for discernment. Therefore, we must ask God to inhabit our intelligence and our intuitions, to guide our reasoning and to give us "the ability to understand, (...) the lucidity to interpret" events with wisdom (St. Thomas Aquinas). Patience and detachment are essential graces for making decisions in accordance with God's will. Let us not hesitate to accompany our big and small discernment with novenas of prayers, which give the Lord time and space to speak to our heart and to our intelligence.
Remember
Rest assured that the Lord answers all our prayers. «Whatever you ask in my name, I will do.» John 14:14The fruits of a novena sometimes take very concrete forms and sometimes they are not visible, but in any case the novena has an impact on us "everything contributes to the good of those who love God". Romans 8:28
In this life, we all go through difficulties. But the strength we Christians have is to know that Christ, being that he himself suffered, supports us in each of these trials: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
To Pope Francis's Holy Family
The Pope recommended a simple and effective way to offer it to the Holy Family: to pray the same prayer with great fervor for nine consecutive days.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you, with confidence, we turn. Holy Family of Nazareth, also make our families place of communion and cenacle of prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, that there will never again be episodes in families of violence, closed-mindedness and division; that whoever has been injured or scandalized be soon comforted and healed. Holy Family of Nazareth, that the forthcoming Synod of Bishops to raise everyone's awareness of the sacred and inviolable character of the family, of its beauty in God's plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, hear, receive our supplication, Amen!" Discover more prayers for the family.
Why baptize children? Isn't it better to wait until they can decide for themselves?
Baptizing young children is a decision that many Catholic parents take for granted, although today some families prefer to wait until their children can decide for themselves in the future. The question seems reasonable: if baptism has such a profound impact on a person’s life, shouldn’t it be a free choice made once sufficient maturity has been reached?
However, since the early centuries, the Church has upheld infant baptism as a gift from God and the beginning of the Christian life. Many parents do not view baptizing their children as a restriction on their freedom, but rather as a way to offer them grace, faith, and a sense of belonging to the Church from the very beginning.
Baptism: A Sociological Phenomenon
There are many decisions that parents make without waiting to consult with their children, in matters that will affect them in a decisive way in their lives.
They provide them with food, clothing, warmth and affection before they have the use of reason, without their having freely asked for it, but this is essential to keep them alive. But they also do things, in addition to covering basic subsistence needs, that will have a decisive impact on fundamental life issues.
Let’s consider, for example, the act of speaking to them in a specific language. The acquisition of a native language stems from a decision made by parents that will shape the way their children express themselves, their deepest cultural roots, and even very specific perspectives on reality.
No reasonable parents would decide not to speak to their child at all until the child grew up, heard several languages, and decided for themselves which one they wanted to learn. Language is a very important cultural element in human development, and delaying its acquisition until adulthood would cause serious harm to the intellectual development of the young person.
But does the decision to baptize and begin faith formation bear any resemblance to speaking to children in one's own language?
A person who does not have faith and does not know what the existence of God, his goodness, his way of acting in the world and in people means, and who does not know the deepest reality of baptism will think that it has nothing to do with it, that language is indispensable and faith is not. But this does not mean that his assessment is reasonable, but rather that it is due to his cultural deficiencies, or even to his prejudices, which prevent him from reasoning on the basis of all the real data.
Therefore, in order to rationally take charge of all the factors involved in this issue it is essential to know first what it means to receive Baptism, and then to assess the situation.
"...Holy Baptism is the foundation of the whole Christian life, the portico of life in the spirit and the door that opens access to the other sacraments..." Catechism of the Catholic Church
What Baptism entails
God has designed a love story for every human being, which is revealed little by little throughout life. To the extent that we have a close relationship with Him, that story will be revealed and take shape. And the first step for this closeness to be effective is Baptism.
The Christian faith considers the Baptism as the fundamental sacrament, since it is a prerequisite for receiving any other sacrament. It unites us to Jesus Christ, conforming us to Him in His triumph over sin and death.
In ancient times it was administered by immersion. The one to be baptized was completely immersed in water. Just as Jesus Christ died, was buried and resurrected, the new Christian was symbolically introduced into a tomb of water, to divest himself of sin and its consequences, and be reborn to a new life.
Baptism is, in fact, the sacrament that unites us to Jesus Christ, introducing us to his saving death on the Cross. frees us from the power of original sin and from all personal sinsand allows us to rise with him to a life without end. From the moment of reception, we participate in the divine life through grace, which helps us to grow in spiritual maturity.
Through Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ, brothers and sisters of our Savior, and children of God.
We are freed from sin, plucked from eternal death, and destined from that instant to a life in the joy of the redeemed. "Through baptism, each child is admitted into a circle of friends who will never abandon him, neither in life nor in death. This circle of friends, this family of God into which the child is integrated from that moment, accompanies him continually, even in the days of sorrow, even in the dark nights of life; it will give him comfort, tranquility and light" (Benedict XVI, January 8, 2006).
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19)
Baptism in the Teachings of St. Josemaría
«Baptism makes us "fideles"—'faithful,' a word that, like that other one, '"sancti —"saints"—a term used by the first followers of Jesus to refer to one another, and one that is still used today: we speak of the »faithful” of the Church. —“Think about it!” (The Forge, 622).
Why Does the Church Continue the Practice of Infant Baptism?
This practice dates back to time immemorial. When the first Christians received the faith, and were aware of the great gift of God of which they had been the object, they did not want to deprive their children of these benefits.
The Church continues to practice infant baptism for one fundamental reason: before we opt for God, he has already opted for us. He has made us and called us to be happy. Baptism is not a burden, on the contrary, it is a grace, an undeserved gift that we receive from God.
Christian parents, from the earliest centuries, applied common sense. Just as the mother did not deliberate at length about whether she should breast-feed her newborn child, but fed it when the child required it, just as they washed it when it was soiled, clothed it and wrapped it up warmly to protect it from the rigors of the cold, just as they talked to it and gave it affection.
In this way, they also provided him with the best help that any human creature needs to develop life to the full: the cleansing of the soul, the grace of God, a large supernatural family, and an openness to the language of God, so that when his sensitivity and intelligence awaken, he can contemplate the world with the light of faith, that which allows him to know reality as it is.
Baptism as the Beginning of the Christian Life
Christians know that they are grafted into Christ through Baptism; empowered to fight for Christ through Confirmation; called to act in the world by sharing in Christ’s kingly, prophetic, and priestly office; and made one with Christ through the Eucharist, the sacrament of unity and love. Therefore, like Christ, he must live in relation to others, looking with love upon each and every person around him, and upon all of humanity.
Faith leads us to recognize Christ as God, to see Him as our Savior, to identify with Him, and to act as He did. The Risen One, after dispelling the apostle Thomas’s doubts by showing him His wounds, exclaims: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”.
“Here,” remarks St. Gregory the Great, “we are spoken of in a special way, because we possess spiritually the One whom we have not seen bodily. We are spoken of, but on the condition that our actions are in accordance with our faith.” No one truly believes except the one who, in his actions, puts into practice what he believes. That is why, speaking of those who possess nothing more than words of faith, St. Paul says: they profess to know God, but deny him by their deeds.
In Christ, it is not possible to separate his nature as God-Man from his role as Redeemer. The Word became flesh and came to earth so that all people may be saved, to save all people. With our personal weaknesses and limitations, we are other Christs, the very Christ, and we too are called to serve all people.
That commandment, which will remain new throughout the centuries, must resound again and again. “Beloved,” writes Saint John, “I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the divine word that you have heard.” And yet I tell you that the commandment of which I speak is a new commandment, which is true in itself and in you, because the darkness has passed away, and the true light is already shining. Whoever claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother dwells in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
Our Lord has come to bring peace, the good news, and life to all people. Not only to the rich, nor only to the poor. Not only to the wise, nor only to the simple. To everyone. To our brothers and sisters—for we are brothers and sisters, since we are children of the same Father, God. There is, therefore, only one race: the race of God’s children. There is only one color: the color of God’s children. And there is only one language: the one that speaks to the heart and the mind, without the clamor of words, yet revealing God to us and leading us to love one another.
• The following text is from point 106 of St. Josemaría’s book *Christ Is Passing By*, in the chapter 'Christ Present in Christians.' Link: https://escriva.org/es/es-cristo-que-pasa/106/
Article published at http://dialogosparacomprender.blogspot.com/
Mr. Francisco Varo PinedaDirector of Research at the University of Navarra and Professor of Sacred Scripture in the School of Theology.
