Lumen Fidei Commentary: Three Words (Journey, Profess, Build)

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Beginning with Pope Francis's very first homily to the Cardinals the day after his election, we have seen a recurring format to his homilies in speeches: three words. He presents just three words for his audience to focus on, treating each one in a few sentences or paragraphs.

In fact, this same approach can be found in the Holy Father's first encyclical, Lumen Fidei. He gives us three words, the same three words found in his very first homily, and connects them to the light of faith.

They are: journey, profess, and build.

The light of faith shines bright on our journey and shows us the way through life to unity with God and others. It is not darkness, it is not blindness. With faith, we have sight.

Faith is received and heard from others. As a response to this Word, we respond in a profession of faith. The faith that we profess is a witness to others and unites us with others who profess that same faith in unity with a whole history of brothers and sisters who have shared that profession.

Faith leads us out of ourselves and inspires us to help others, to build a better society, because faith helps us to see the dignity in others; it helps us to see everyone we encounter as a blessing from God.

Find out more about The Lumen Fidei (Light of Faith) Study Guide at http://lumenfidei.com/study-guide.