In his general audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis gave his catechesis on the charismatic work of the Holy Spirit, which invites us to work for the common good.
vatican city
In his audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis, greeting the faithful and pilgrims from different countries around the world, said: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters.
In the last three catechesis we discussed the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, which he carries out through the sacraments, prayer and following Our Lady. But let us listen to the famous words of the Second Vatican Council: “The Holy Spirit sanctifies and enriches the people of God, not only through the sacraments and the ecclesial apostolate, but also through the gifts granted to each one according to his will.” The Holy Spirit said that the Holy Spirit has adorned each of us individually with his gifts.
Charismatic work: for the common good
So, we will mention another way that the Holy Spirit works in the church, which is his charismatic work for us, which, he said, is difficult to explain in words. However, this charismatic work can be defined in two ways: first, charisma, which is a gift to us through which “the common good” is achieved, useful for the benefit of all. In other words, it is not primarily and generally based on the sanctification of the individual, but rather through “service” to the community. The second charism is a gift given specifically “for one” or “a few,” not the same for all, and this very fact distinguishes it from sanctification by grace, the theological virtues, and the sacraments., Which, in fact, is equal and common to everyone. Charisma is for a particular person or community. It is a gift that God offers us.
grace, jewel shape
The Second Vatican Council also explains it. The Holy Spirit “imparts his special graces to believers. Through these gifts he equips and prepares them for his special work that leads to the renewal and edification of the Church, in the words of the apostle Paul “He gives a gift to each one, so that he can work for the good of all.” Manifest the Holy Spirit.”
Pope Francis said that charismas are like “jewels” or ornaments that the Holy Spirit grants to the wife of Jesus Christ to make her more beautiful. In this context the words of the Second Vatican Council can be understood: “These miracles, whether unique in themselves or quite ordinary and widespread, must be received with gratitude and with the appropriate humor, because they serve the needs of the Church. . They are completely appropriate and useful.”
Pope Benedict XVI confirms this by saying: “Whoever contemplates the history of time can recognize a process of true renewal, which unexpectedly took the form of living movements and which caused the infinite development of the Holy Church almost in a vitality.” tangible, and this is the charisma of a group of people, the charisma of the individual.
Rediscover miracles
The Pope said that it is necessary to rediscover the charisma because it ensures the development of us lay people, especially with regard to women, who are not limited to an institutional and sociological phenomenon, but also have a scriptural and spiritual dimension. The laity are not the last in themselves, they are in no way external allies, nor are they simply a crowd that supports the liturgy. They have their own charismas and gifts that contribute to the apostolate of the church.
The ordinary becomes extraordinary in love.
The Pope further said to add one more thing: when we talk about charisma, we urgently need to get rid of the mistaken idea that we are bearers of spectacular or extraordinary gifts and abilities, instead of thinking that they may be ordinary gifts that become extraordinary for us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and in the loving situations of life. The Pope said that each of us is a charism. It is important to have this attitude towards miracles because many Christians experience sadness and despair when faced with miracles, because they feel that they are nothing in themselves, and that is why they isolate or deny themselves. Saint Augustine makes a beautiful comparison in his time, telling his people: “If you love, as if you had a little, but if you love unity, you have everything that everyone has, you also have.” In our body only the eye sees, but does it see only by itself? Go for the hands, feet and all parts of the body.”
The Pope said this defines for us the essence of love, which in itself is a “unique path.” This leads me to love the Church or the community in which I live, all the charisms and not just “my” charism. Although it may seem small in itself, it is for the benefit of all, for the well-being of all. Love increases our charisma, it makes the charisma of one person the charisma of all.
