2024-07-29 12:41:15
Prophetic Warning: The Future of Christianity
On May 2, 2023, in a meeting with Christendom at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Rimini, Cardinal Giacomo Biffi shared a prophetic warning of great importance. Below is a summary of his thoughts and concerns expressed during the meeting.
The Prophetic Warning
Cardinal Biffi warned that Christianity could face difficult days, with the tendency to reduce the salvific meaning of the Christian faith to a set of values that are easily marketable and acceptable to modern society.
The Danger of World Christianity
According to Cardinal Biffi, there is a danger that Christianity will change into a pure humanitarian act, focusing exclusively on aid, solidarity, philanthropy and culture. Although these aspects are positive, they do not reflect the heart of Christianity. The evangelical message could only be identified with the commitment to dialogue between people and religions, the search for well-being and progress, and the encouragement to respect nature. So there is a risk that the church will be seen as a simple charitable and socialist organization.
Stay true to the Message of Jesus
The Cardinal emphasized the importance of not giving up the true Christianity, which is Jesus Christ. At the center of this faith is the scandal of the cross and the disturbing reality of the Lord’s resurrection. Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Son of God, is man’s only Savior. It cannot be reduced to a series of good plans and motivations that conform to the dominant worldly mindset. Jesus is a foundation stone: faith is built on this stone or one hits against it.
Understanding between Absolute Values and Relative Values
Biffi emphasized the importance of distinguishing between absolute and relative values. Absolute values such as truth, goodness and beauty are universal and those who honor them, even if they are not aware of it, honor Jesus Christ. On the contrary, relational values such as solidarity, peace, respect for nature and dialogue require a more detailed evaluation. These values can bring us closer to Christ, but if they are made absolute, they can become forms of idolatry and obstacles on the path to salvation.
The example of St. Francis of Assisi
Biffi cited St. Francis of Assisi as an example of how to live these values without losing sight of the heart of Christianity. For Francis, Jesus Christ was the ultimate reality, and all creatures were an expression of the Creator. However, it is important not to dilute the saving message of Christ while promoting these secondary values. Francis teaches that Christianity must be the focal point of faith.
Conclusion: Warning against Apostasy
Cardinal Biffi’s final warning is perhaps the strongest: he cannot allow himself to be separated from a personal connection with the crucified and risen Son of God. If this link is lost, there is a risk that a person commits the sin of apostasy and ultimately finds himself on the side of the antichrist. Biffi encourages us to remain firm in the faith, fully accepting the message of Jesus Christ.
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