Vatican City, 4 June 2014 (VIS) –
Pope Francis dedicated this Wednesday's general audience to another
gift of the Holy Spirit, piety, which he emphasised is not used here
in a superficial sense.
Piety, as a gift of the Holy Spirit,
means “our belonging to God and our profound bond with Him, a bond
that gives meaning to all our lives and helps us stay firmly in
communion with Him, even in the most difficult moments”.
The Pope explained to the tens of
thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square that this union
is not and should not be a duty or an imposition, but is instead an
exchange, “something that comes from within, a relationship
experienced with the heart: it is our friendship with God, given to
us by Jesus, a friendship that changes our life and fills us with
enthusiasm and joy. Therefore, the gift of piety arouses gratitude
and praise, first and foremost. Indeed this is the reason and the
most authentic meaning of our worship and our adoration. When the
Holy Spirit makes us aware of the Lord's presence and of all His love
for us, this warms our hearts and moves us almost naturally to prayer
and celebration. Piety, therefore, is a synonym for authentic
religious spirit and filial trust in God, for that capacity to pray
to Him with the love and simplicity of those who are humble at
heart”.
This gift, which enables us to live as
true children of God, also leads us to love our neighbour and to
recognise him as our brother. “And so we are moved to sentiments of
piety – not pietism, or outward religiosity. Why do I say 'piety'
and not 'pietism'? Because there are those who think that piety means
closing ones eyes, assuming an image or a saintly face”, commented
Pope Francis, using a phrase typical of Piedmont, the Italian region
from which he originates: “Fare la mugna quacia” (feign
ingenuousness, Ed.). “This is not the true gift of piety. The true
gift of piety makes us truly capable of rejoicing with those who are
joyful, of weeping with those who weep, of being close to those who
are in anguish, of correcting those who err, of consoling the
afflicted, of welcoming and assisting those in need. There is also a
close relationship between piety and quietude”, he observed. “The
Holy Spirit makes us calm and patient, in peace with God and meekly
at the service of others”.
The Holy Father concluded by quoting
from St. Paul's letter to the Romans. “All those led by God’s
Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery
to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by
whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'. Let us pray the Lord that this gift
of the Holy Spirit may conquer our fears, uncertainties and also our
restless, impatient spirit, and make us joyful witnesses of God and
His Love”.
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