By Charles Igwe
Cardinal Robert Sarah, the prefect emeritus of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, recently delivered a keynote address in Mexico City on the topic of being “witnesses to the truth in a world in crisis.” In his speech, Cardinal Sarah acknowledged the prevailing confusion and ambiguity surrounding doctrinal and moral teachings, both within and outside the Church, particularly concerning the identity of Christ and the message of salvation.
To navigate this challenging landscape, Cardinal Sarah presented five key approaches. First, he emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in the Word of God. By deeply understanding and internalizing the teachings of Scripture, individuals can effectively combat evil and be well-prepared for spiritual battles. The Word of God serves as the primary weapon in the fight against darkness.
Secondly, Cardinal Sarah highlighted the power of prayer. He drew inspiration from Pope Benedict, who demonstrated the significance of prayer in his own life. The cardinal encouraged the faithful to maintain regular prayer habits, attend Mass, and avail themselves of the sacrament of confession. These practices strengthen one’s connection to the divine and help reclaim the gifts of prayer and divine grace that are urgently needed in the present time.
The third approach emphasized the importance of cultivating the interior life. By withdrawing from the distractions of the world and engaging in introspection, individuals can discern the truth about humanity’s relationship with creation. Cardinal Sarah lamented the contradiction between caring for the environment while simultaneously promoting practices such as abortion, euthanasia, and homosexuality. He stressed the need for personal reflection to align one’s beliefs and actions with the teachings of the Church.
Silence was another crucial aspect highlighted by Cardinal Sarah. In the stillness of silence, individuals can encounter the presence of God within their hearts. By quieting the mind and relinquishing worldly concerns, one can place everything in relation to the cross and allow the light of the Gospel to illuminate their path. Fixing one’s gaze on the cross disciplines the mind and heart, offering clarity and guidance amidst the spiritual battle against evil.
Lastly, Cardinal Sarah addressed the inner struggle faced by individuals on a daily basis. He emphasized that this struggle takes place within the heart and involves resisting the influence of evil forces. The cardinal cautioned against the dangers of transhumanism, which seeks to transform humans into superbeings through technology. Instead of succumbing to these temptations, individuals should recognize their true identity and purpose as created beings, embracing the divine plan.
In conclusion, Cardinal Sarah’s address provided invaluable insights on dealing with the crisis of faith in the world. By immersing oneself in the Word of God, embracing prayer, cultivating the interior life, seeking silence, and engaging in the inner struggle against evil, individuals can navigate the challenges of the present age. The cardinal’s words serve as a call to rediscover the presence of God and realign our lives with the teachings of the Church, offering hope and guidance in a world in need of spiritual renewal.
