Pope encourages Catholics to nurture faith

, Jul 17, 2011 / 01:11 pm MT ().-

Pope Benedict called on Catholics to nourish their faith in order to “prevent evil from taking root” in their lives. His words came during his July 17 Angelus address which took place in Castel Gandolfo.

The Pope reflected on Sunday’s Gospel in which Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds, reported Vatican Radio. The Pope added that Jesus used parables to explain the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

“Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a wheat field, to help us understand that something small and hidden is sown within us, which has an irrepressible life force. “

“Despite all obstacles,” he continued, “the seed will grow and the fruit ripen. This fruit will be good only if the ground of life has been nurtured according to divine will. Therefore, in the parable of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus warns us that, after the master had planted, 'while people slept,' his 'enemy' sowed the weeds.

“This means that we must be prepared to guard the grace received from the day of baptism, while continuing to nourish faith in the Lord, which prevents evil from taking root,” said the Pope.

He then drew from St. Augustine's comments on the parable. “St. Augustine, commenting on this story, notes that 'many are first weeds and then become good wheat' and adds: 'If those, when they are bad, are not tolerated with patience, they will never reach this laudable change’.”

The Pope welcomed the English-speaking pilgrims in attendance: “Today's Gospel encourages us to let the good seed of God's Word bear fruit in our lives and to trust in His mysterious plan for the growth of the Kingdom. Let us work for an abundant harvest of holiness in the Church and ask to be Christ's righteous ones found on Among the Day of Judgment.

“Upon all of you I invoke the abundant blessings of the Lord's joy and peace!”