RBWords - Volume 30 - Number 5: May 2017
Something to Think About
Rbwords – volume 30 – number 5 – may 2018
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT –
On March 19th of this year, Pope Francis issued a document called (in Latin) Gaudete et Exultate [Rejoice and be glad!]. Put simply, it is about holiness of life in our current world. The writing is very simple and accessible. Like all papal documents of this sort (encyclicals, apostolic exhortations. Etc.) it suffers from its length, but I think it is worth the time and effort. I want to highlight some features and hope folks find it worth a followup.
Francis points out from the very outset that we are all called to holiness in life. This is one of the principal teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Our baptism is that call. Holiness is not the preserve of a spiritual elite. It is not gained by multiplying devotions as if we can earn our way into holiness. Holiness can be found in ordinary folks who pay attention to the scriptures, sustain prayer and try to live the teachings of Jesus as best they can.
Francis offers a way to consider through modeling our lives on the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel According to Matthew. He calls attention, as well, to the criterion in Matthew 25:31-45: “When I was hungry….etc.” In regard to this, he points out that ALL life is equally sacred whether it be the unborn child or the immigrant at our borders. He warns against exalting one form of life over another. Another danger is that of making the church a “museum piece or the possession of a select few.”
Chapters 4 and 5 offer us ways of seeing “signs of holiness” in the world and preparation for “spiritual combat” in striving for holiness. In this, Francis shows his Jesuit spiritual background in St. Ignatius Loyola’s SPIRITUAL EXERCISES. Discernment of spirits is important to that approach. All in all, we are offered a rich opportunity to explore how holiness can be something we can all aspire to. IT’S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
It Has Been Said
IT HAS BEEN SAID: “We need a spirit of holiness capable of filling both our solitude and our service, our personal life and our evangelizing efforts, so that every moment can be an expression of self-sacrificing love in the Lord’s eyes. In this way every minute of our lives can be a stop along the path in holiness.”
From GAUDETE ET EXULTATE: Apostolic Exhortation, by Pope Francis #31
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