In his weekly catechesis on April 3, 2024, at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis addressed thousands of pilgrims with a powerful reflection on the nature of salvation, urging the faithful to move beyond the "logic of merit" and embrace the radical generosity of God’s love. The Pontiff emphasized that heaven is not something we earn through our deeds, but a free gift that stems from an intimate relationship with God.
The Pope’s teaching was centered on the story of the rich young man from the Gospel of Mark. This young man approached Jesus with a sincere question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Although he had faithfully followed the commandments since his youth, he still felt something missing. Pope Francis pointed out that this moment reveals a deep truth — even strict adherence to the law cannot fully satisfy the longing for eternal life.
According to the Pope, Jesus’s invitation to the young man — to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him — was not a condemnation of wealth, but a challenge to let go of what binds us and hinders our ability to love freely. “The heart of the Christian life,” the Pope explained, “is not in doing to deserve, but in loving to respond.” He noted that the man walked away sad, unable to detach from his riches, showing how material attachments can block our path to grace.
Pope Francis warned against viewing salvation as a transactional process, where good behavior earns us a heavenly reward. “This is not the Gospel,” he said. “The logic of merit, according to which we think we can win heaven with our good works, is misleading. Salvation is not bought or traded; it is freely given by a loving God.”
Highlighting the paradox of grace, the Holy Father added that this divine gift requires openness, humility, and trust. While good works and moral living are important, they are not the currency of heaven. “We are saved not because we are good,” he said, “but because God is good.” This is a radical message that calls Christians to rethink the foundations of their spiritual life.
The Pope’s message serves as a reminder that Christianity is not a religion of performance, but a relationship with a living God who looks beyond our merits and sees the heart. He concluded his address by inviting believers to examine their lives, let go of whatever keeps them from fully loving God and others, and embrace the Gospel’s call to generosity, simplicity, and trust.
“Do not be afraid to give everything,” Pope Francis encouraged. “When we give all to Christ, we lose nothing and gain everything.”
Source: Catholic News Agency