VATICAN CITY, OCT 6, 1999 (VIS) - In this morning's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope affirmed that "in this year dedicated to the Father, it is particularly appropriate to emphasize the theological virtue of charity."
"Man," he said, "is called to love God with total commitment and, in his relationship with his brothers and sisters, to display a love inspired by that very love of God. Conversion means to convert oneself to love."
John Paul II recalled that in the Old Testament, God's choice of Israel is motivated by love, and that Israel is called to give a response of love. "Despite His people's unfaithfulness to the alliance, God is still willing to offer His own love, creating a new heart in man."
The New Testament, he continued, "presents us this dynamism of love centered on Jesus, beloved Son of the Father. ... Love draws us fully into the filial life of Jesus, rendering us sons in the Son. ... Love transforms life and also illuminates our awareness of God."
The Holy Father concluded indicating that "the living experience of the Father and the Son comes about in love, that is to say, in the last analysis, in the Holy Spirit. ... The Paraclete is the One thanks to whom we experience God's paternal love."
AG;GOD LOVE;...;...;VIS;19991006;Word: 230;
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