Ekklesia Online
HEALING OUR FRAGILITY
HEALING OUR FRAGILITY

Focus | Thought of the Church
Through our weakness
Pope Francis
Pope Francis
We open this issue of Ekklesia with an excerpt from Patris Corde, the apostolic letter marking the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as patron saint of the universal Church (no. 2).
Since this is part of the entire economy of salvation, we must learn to look upon our weaknesses with tender mercy (cf. Evangelii gaudium, 88).
The evil one makes us see and condemn our frailty, whereas the Spirit brings it to light with tender love. Tenderness is the best way to touch the frailty within us. Pointing fingers and judging others are frequently signs of an inability to accept our own weaknesses, our own frailty. Only tender love will save us from the snares of the accuser (cf. Rev 12:10). That is why it is so important to encounter God’s mercy, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where we experience his truth and tenderness. Paradoxically, the evil one can also speak the truth to us, yet he does so only to condemn us. We know that God’s truth does not condemn, but instead welcomes, embraces, sustains and forgives us. That truth always presents itself to us like the merciful father in Jesus’ parable (cf. Lk 15:11-32). It comes out to meet us, restores our dignity, sets us back on our feet and rejoices for us, for, as the father says: “This my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (v. 24).
Even through Joseph’s fears, God’s will, his history and his plan were at work. Joseph, then, teaches us that faith in God includes believing that he can work even through our fears, our frailties and our weaknesses. He also teaches us that amid the tempests of life, we must never be afraid to let the Lord steer our course. At times, we want to be in complete control, yet God always sees the bigger picture.
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana © Città Nuova 2021
Ekklesía Online
April - June 2021
2021/2 - no. 11