UCA News
Contribute

Charity is path to perfection when done for Jesus, pope says

Christian charity is not simple philanthropy, it is looking at others through the eyes of Jesus himself
Charity is path to perfection when done for Jesus, pope says

Pope Francis waves to worshipers from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's Square in The Vatican on August 23, 2020 during the weekly Angelus prayer, within the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. (Photo: Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)

Published: August 25, 2020 06:16 AM GMT
Updated: August 25, 2020 06:17 AM GMT

The central focus of a Christian's life and all he or she does to help others must be Jesus Christ, Pope Francis said. 

"Christian charity is not simple philanthropy but, on the one hand, it is looking at others through the eyes of Jesus himself and, on the other hand, seeing Jesus in the face of the poor," the pope said Aug. 23 before reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in St. Peter's Square. 

Pope Francis focused on the day's Gospel reading, Mt 16:13-20, in which Jesus asks the disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" and then asks them, "But who do you say that I am?" 

The disciples seemed to have a ready answer to the first question, the pope said. "The apostles liked talking about people, as we all do. We like to gossip. Speaking of others is not so demanding, which is why we like it." 

But, he said, when asked who they thought he was, the disciples seemed to pause. 

"If I were to ask you now, 'Who is Jesus for you?' there would be a little hesitation," the pope told people in the square. 

Simon Peter gets the disciples off the hook by responding, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." 

And, the pope said, Jesus points out that Peter did not come up with that answer all by himself, but that it was revealed to him by God. 

"To confess Jesus is a grace from the Father," the pope said. "To say that Jesus is the son of the living God, that he is the Redeemer, is a grace that we must ask for: 'Father, give me the grace to confess Jesus.'" 

After Peter makes his profession of faith, Jesus calls him the rock upon which he will build the church. The pope said, "The church goes forward always on the basis of Peter's faith, that faith that Jesus recognizes (in Peter) and which makes him the head of the church." 

"Who is Jesus Christ for me? Who is Jesus Christ for you, for you, for you," Pope Francis asked, pointing to people in different parts of the square. Each day, he said, Christians should think how they would reply. 

With so "many forms of poverty and crises" everywhere, he said, Christians are right to see charity as "the high road of the journey of faith, of the perfection of faith," the pope said. "But it is necessary that works of solidarity, the works of charity that we carry out, not divert us from contact with the Lord Jesus."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia