Catechesis on the Holy Spirit

10 September 1998 07:32

The Holy Father continues his weekly catechesis on the Holy Spirit.

VATICAN CITY, SEP 9, 1998 – At today’s Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope spoke on the theme of “The Spirit of God and the ‘Seeds of Truth’ in non-Christian Religions.”

“The seeds of truth,” said John Paul II, are “‘the effect of the Spirit of truth operating outside the visible confines of the Mystical Body, the wind which blows where it wills.”

The Holy Father explained that “in all authentic religious experiences, the most characteristic manifestation is prayer. … Every true prayer is inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who is mysteriously present in the heart of every person.

Through the practice of what is good in their own religious traditions, and following the dictates of their consciences, members of other religions positively respond to God’s invitation and receive salvation in Jesus Christ, even though they may not recognize Him as their Savior.

The attitude of the Church and of individual Christians with regard to other religions is characterized by sincere respect, deep kindness, and also, where it is possible and appropriate, cordial collaboration. This does not mean forgetting that Jesus Christ is the only Mediator and Savior of the human race. Nor does it imply lessening the missionary effort to which we have an obligation, in obedience to the command of the Risen Lord: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’.”

John Paul II concluded, “This attitude of respect and dialogue represents a due recognition of the ‘seeds of the Word’ and of the ‘groans of the Spirit’. It also prepares the proclamation of the Gospel in awaiting the time when the Lord shows his mercy.”