A reflection on the theme of "parusia" in St Paul’s teaching enables us to understand "what is the Christian attitude towards ultimate realities," said the Pope in today’s general audience. The first attitude is "the certitude that Christ is risen and is with us always, and that nobody is stronger than Christ." According to Benedict XVI, "in this way we are safe and freed from fear." This is "a fundamental element in the Christian doctrine." The second Christian attitude comes from the "certitude that Christ is with me", as "with Christ the future world has already began." This is the "certainty of hope" through which "the future is no longer a foggy night in which nobody can find their way." "At a time when the future is looked at with fear, Christians know that Christ’s light is stronger, and therefore live in a sure hope, which makes them more confident to face the future," said the Pope. The third attitude is "the Responsibility for the world and for the brothers before Christ, as well as the certitude of his mercy." (continued) ” “
