Pope Francis: The best position to love the Lord is on your knees

Pope Francis affirmed that the best position to love the Lord is on one’s knees in a video message on the occasion of the opening of the Academic Year of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sicily in Palermo (Italy).

In a speech in which he urged the members of this study center “to put themselves at the forefront of the challenges that the Mediterranean poses to theology,” Pope Francis stressed that it is about “learning the craft of theology as a fabric of evangelical networks of salvation” in a “patient work that tries to narrate the love of the Master.”

The Pontiff explained that “the nets are woven and mended on the ground, often on their knees. Let us not forget that this is the best position to love the Lord: on our knees,” Pope Francis emphasized.

He then explained that this means “assuming the style of the washing of the feet and that of the Good Samaritan,” in such a way that one can imagine the hands of the theologians as those that “speak of the embrace of God,” offer tenderness “that It is God’s way,” which “lifts up those who have fallen and guides them toward hope.”

At this point, Pope Francis reiterated, as on other occasions throughout his pontificate, that “it is only allowed once to look down on a person: only to help them get up.”

Theology demands testimony until giving life

Pope Francis did not fail to point out that “theology demands and includes testimony up to the sacrifice of life, the gift of oneself through martyrdom,” to then remember Father Pino Puglisi, Judge Rosario Livatino and the magistrates Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone, murdered by the local mafia, whom he described as “true chairs of justice” who invite theology to contribute “to the cultural redemption of an area still dramatically marked by the scourge of the mafia.”

The Pontiff also pointed out that “a theology is needed with-fianceewhich immerses itself in history and makes the charity of Christ shine in it”, which in practical terms has translated into a specific assignment:

“I would like the Faculty to begin theological and social research processes on forgiveness, at the crossroads of legality, resistance and holiness. “Creatively begin a true theological and social laboratory of forgiveness, for a true revolution of justice!” said Pope Francis.

Finally, the Pontiff proclaimed that “the Mediterranean needs a living theology, which fully cultivates its contextual dimension, becoming a call for all” and that “from the top of the cross and on its knees before its neighbor, uses humble, sober words.” and radical, to help everyone face compassion.”