Holiness isn't a "human achievement," the Pope said, but is "a gift we receive."
Pope Francis offered a reflection on one of his favorite Gospel passages for the Feast of All Saints on November 1, the Beatitudes.
Drawing from the readings of the day, the Pope spoke about joy and prophecy.
Regarding joy, Francis noted how the Beatitudes begin with the word "blessed": "It is the principal proclamation, that of an unprecedented happiness."
He continued:
Holiness isn't a "human achievement," the Pope said, but is "a gift we receive."
This means that Christian joy isn't a "fleeting emotion" or mere optimism.
Instead, he said, it is "the certainty of being able to face every situation under God’s loving gaze, with the courage and strength that come from Him."
Getting sick with sadness
Pope Francis added a warning that without joy, "faith becomes a rigorous and oppressive exercise" and it can become sick with sadness.
The Pope suggested a mini self-evaluation:
