Pope Francis: 'Faith reduced to formulas is short-sighted'

During the Angelus with pilgrims in St Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Francis reflected on the day's Gospel (Mk 8:27-35) in which Jesus asks his disciples the question that runs through the whole of Mark's Gospel: "Who is Jesus?"

Pope Francis said Jesus helps his disciples gradually to come to grips with this basic question about his identity.

First, Jesus asks them who others say he is.

The Pope said Jesus considers the disciples' responses inadequate. "He does not even accept his disciples' answers using pre-packaged formulas, citing famous people from Sacred Scripture," the Pope said, "because a faith that is reduced to formulas is a short-sighted faith."

Pope Francis said the Lord is inviting his disciples, now as then, "to establish a personal relationship with him, and thus welcome him as the center of their lives."

He said Jesus speaks to us at the depth of our being, and urges us to ask ourselves in all truth: "Who am I for you?"

"Each one of us," said Pope Francis, "is called to respond, in his or her own heart, letting ourselves be illuminated by the light that the Father gives us to know his Son Jesus."

The Pope said that, at times, we may respond enthusiastically like Peter, "You are the Christ". But, like him, we may also wish to avoid the "arduous path of the suffering, humiliated, rejected, and crucified Servant", which the Holy Father said is the only path by which Jesus' mission can be fulfilled.

Pope Francis said our lives must bear witness to our faith.

"The profession of faith in Jesus Christ cannot stop at words," he said, "but must be authenticated by concrete choices and gestures, by a life sealed with the love of God and neighbor." Denying ourselves, as faith in Jesus requires, rids us of "the pretensions of selfish pride", the Pope said.

Finally, Pope Francis said we may sometimes take the wrong path in life, especially when we look for happiness in things. But we only find happiness when love - true love - encounters us, surprises us, and changes us."

After reciting the Angelus Pope Francis recalled his visit on Saturday to the island of Sicily. He thanked everyone who made his visit to Piazza Armerina and Palermo possible. This included the bishops, young people, and even the airplane and helicopter pilots who flew him there and back.

"I am particularly grateful to the dear bishops Rosario Gisana and Corrado Lorefice for their excellent pastoral service," he said. "I thank the young people, families, and all the wonderful people who live in that beautiful land of Sicily for their warm welcome."

Pope Francis also invited everyone to remember the example and witness of Blessed Father Giuseppe "Pino" Puglisi, who was martyred by the Mafia 25 years ago. He said Father Pino shows us "that goodness is stronger than evil, and that love is stronger than hate."
Pope Francis then invited those present at the Angelus to give a round of applause for all Sicilians.