Commentary on Lumen Fidei by Fr. Robert Barron

July 24, 2013 by

In response the Holy Father’s encyclical, Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), Fr. Robert Barron of Word on Fire shares a brief video commentary with thoughts on faith and a growing opposition to faith from the secular world. Watch Fr. Barron’s commentary on Lumen Fidei and use the questions below the video to reflect and discuss what he says.

Summary of Fr. Barron’s Commentary

Fr. Barron makes three observations about the pope’s encyclical on faith:

  1. Faith is not irrational, but a completely rational response to the Creator God. 
  2. God is not an abstract principle; God is a person (persons).
  3. Faith is liberating. It liberates us from the narrow space of our own individual ego.

Lumen Fidei Commentary Reflection & Discussion Questions

  1. Fr. Barron says that we cannot put God under the microscope since he is not an object in the world. Have you ever put God to the test?
  2. The Prophet Isaiah said, “Truly you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior” (Is 45:15). Does the fact that we can’t see God make it more difficult for you to believe? Why or why not?
  3. Fr. Barron shares the many interests in his life right now: his role in the seminary, his role in Word on Fire, and his family. What are the many interests on your mind today? Is God just one of these many interests or is he infused in all of them? Why?
  4. According to Fr. Barron, faith is a “surrender to the alluring darkness of what God wants you to become.” What is holding you back from completely trusting in God to be the light in that darkness and transform you into the person he wants you to become?
  5. According to Fr. Barron, faith “opens up the mind to an infinite number of horizons.” Are you holding on to limiting beliefs or thinking smaller than God’s true vision for you? What are some areas of your life where you feel trapped and what other options might God reveal to you through the light of faith?

Want more commentary and reflection questions about each chapter of Lumen Fidei? Sign up to receive notice about the publication of The Lumen Fidei Study Guide. 

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About Jared Dees

Jared Dees is the creator of The Religion Teacher, a website with resources for Catholic educators, and the author of 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator and a study guide with commentary and reflection questions to help adults read, understand, and live the encyclical, Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith).

Comments

  1. Diane D'Alba says
    July 24, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this. It is perfect for chapter 2 of freshman religion text. We love listening to Father Barron the students really engage in his explanations.

    • Jared Dees says
      July 25, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Diane, perfect! I know that Ave Maria Press collects a number of his videos to use in conjunction with their USCCB Curriculum Framework texts. Fr. Barron is truly a gift to the Church! I hope you are enjoying your summer.