“TO BE SAINTS IS NOTA PRIVILEGE FOR A FEW
BUT A VOCATION FOR EVERYONE” POPE FRANCIS

 

INTRODUCTION

On Monday, April 9, Feast of Annunciation, Pope Francis issued his third Apostolic Exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, A Call to Holiness. Over the next few weeks I will be blogging on each Chapter. Today’s blog is on Chapter One, The Call to Holiness. Direct quotes from Pope Francis will have quotation marks and be italicized. Unfortunately, the secular press will cover this Exhortation with controversial sound bites to stir controversy and make some even uncomfortable with their Holy Father

But let me assure you that no doctrine changes are contained here and no potential heresy or schism is contained in Pope Francis’ exhortation to holiness. It is extremely pastoral to assist his flock to make their way home to what has always been intended by God that is: saints that enjoy the beatific vision forever and ever.

COMMENTARY

CHAPTER ONE
THE CALL TO HOLINESS

In paragraph 3, Pope Francis reminds us of the great “cloud of witnesses” already in heaven assisting and praying for us. “These witnesses may include our own mothers, grandmothers or other loved ones (2 Tim 1:5). Their lives may not always have been perfect, yet even amid their faults and failings they kept moving forward and proved pleasing to the Lord.”

Pope Francis encourages us to think beyond those beatified and canonized, to think of our family members and friends that have gone before us that modeled faith and discipleship in such a way as to directly influence us “to run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” God wishes all of us to be holy and has sent His Spirit to make that possible. “Let us be spurred on by the signs of holiness that the Lord shows us through the humblest of people.”

 

In paragraph 10 Pope Francis makes clear his most important purpose of this exhortation is the focus on our individual call to holiness. God addresses us in the Book of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy for I am holy.”

“The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (1 Cor12:7), rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them to embrace that unique plan that God willed for each of us from eternity: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5)”

In paragraph 14, Pope Francis makes some concrete suggestion how we can be holy no matter what walk of life we may be taking. “Are you called to the consecrated life? Be holy by living out your commitment with joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving and caring for your husband or wife, as Christ does for the Church. Do you work for a living? Be holy by laboring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by patiently teaching the little ones how to follow Jesus. Are you in a position of authority? Be holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain”.

In paragraph 15, Pope Francis encourages us to turn our eyes to Christ crucified when we feel discouraged. We can’t do it on our own but just a short prayer like, Lord I am a poor sinner, but you can work the miracle of making me a little bit better. Thank you, Jesus. Pope Francis also encourages us to avail ourselves of the Sacraments, the Eucharist and Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Everyone’s mission is to be a saint one day in heaven, “for this is the will of God your sanctification,” (I Thess. 4:3). Our mission in general is to be a saint but the Father who knit us in our Mother’s womb has a special plan for us. How that is embodied at a specific moment in history we may have no idea who is yet out there waiting for our example, our words and actions that lead them to Jesus Christ.

“This is a powerful summons to all of us. You too need to see the entirety of your life as a mission. Try to do so by listening to God in prayer and recognizing the signs that he gives you. Always ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and in every decision you must make, so as to discern its place in the mission you have received.”

In conclusion, Pope Francis again encourages us to persevere in our mission despite setbacks, mistakes, and missteps. The Lord will bring it to fulfillment, provided you do not abandon the path of love but remain ever open to sanctifying grace. Be wary of the noise of this world, endless gadgets, consumer goods, superficial pleasures. The din of this world can muffle the voice of God, be on guard!

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity.”For in the words of León Bloy, when all is said and done, “the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint”

SUMMARY

I am reminded in this chapter of the faith I received first was from family members, parents, grandparents, witnesses that have gone before me and now part of that cloud of witnesses watching over me as I complete my journey home. It was in the silence of family life that most of us learned to pray, love, and to serve others.

God has given us all abilities to use in ministry, all different sorts of gifts for all sorts of missions. Our gifts are given for the community and we are called to use them in response to the needs of the community. I pray with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I may discern my path to holiness.

How exactly am I called to pass on the faith to others so that others may know Jesus in their hearts, worship Jesus in Liturgy, follow Jesus’ moral teachings in their daily lives, and support one another in a community of believers.. Ultimately, we are sowers of seeds and harvester of some and the Spirit will “blow where it may.” John 3:8

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INTRODUCTION

As I began last week, I am continuing a discussion of Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, A Call to Holiness. Today’s blog is on Chapter Two. In this section Pope Francis takes up two very old heresies of first century Christianity that have begun to raise their ugly heads in modern times in new forms and disguises. Direct quotes from Pope Francis will have quotation marks and be italicized.

These ancient heresies that continue to pop up from time to time are Gnosticism and Pelagianism. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Gnosticism: The thought and practice especially of various cults of late pre-Christian and early Christian centuries distinguished by the conviction that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through gnosis or “knowledge.”

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Pelagianism as those denying original sin and its consequences. It holds that individuals have perfect freedom to do either right or wrong. I hope to demonstrate with Pope Francis in my commentary how these two insidious falsehoods may affect our faith and cause a stumble on the way to holiness.

 

CHAPTER TWO
TWO SUBTLE ENEMIES OF HOLINESS

 

COMMENTARY

CONTEMPORARY GNOSTICISM
In paragraph 37 Pope Francis reminds us, “throughout the history of the Church it has always been clear that a person’s perfection is measured not by the information or knowledge they possess, but by the depth of their charity. “Gnostics” do not understand this, because they judge others based on their ability to understand the complexity of certain doctrines”

Gnostics think that their explanations can make the entirety of the faith and the Gospel perfectly comprehensible.” Gnostics deny mysteries and faith. They tend to judge who is saved and who is out of favor with God based on knowledge only they possess. They lack any flexibility and mercy as well. Rather than working for unity and conversion for all, their practices are divisive and reject God’s universal call to holiness.
God did not come into this world that only a few so called “enlightened ones” be saved. One with Gnostic tendencies can tend to feel and act like they are superior to the masses. Reminds me of the parable of the Pharisee and Publican in the temple (Luke 19:1-9) The Pharisee thanked God he was not like the publican beating his breast and declaring to God to have mercy on him a sinner.

In paragraphs 41and 42 Pope Francis writes, “God infinitely transcends us; he is full of surprises. We are not the ones to determine when and how we will encounter him; the exact times and places of that encounter are not up to us. God is mysteriously present in the life of every person.

Even when someone’s life appears completely wrecked, even when we see it devastated by vices or addictions, God is present there. We can and must try to find the Lord in every human life. This is part of the mystery that a gnostic mentality cannot accept, since it is beyond its control and mastery.”

Pope Francis concludes, “In point of fact, what we think we know should always motivate us to respond more fully to God’s love. Indeed, “you learn so as to live: theology and holiness are inseparable” Pope Francis notes, that when St. Francis saw some of his disciples were teaching, he wrote to them, ” I am pleased that you teach sacred theology to the brothers, provided that… you do not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotion during study of this kind”.

CONTEMPORARY PELAGIANISM

It is not intelligence that takes place of mystery and grace in the case of pelagianism but the human will is placed first. A believer in pelagianism places the human will above God’s mercy. “They have forgotten that everything “depends not on human will or its exertion, but on “God who shows mercy” (Rom 9:16)

In paragraph 49 Pope Francis writes, “Those who yield to this pelagian mindset, “ultimately trust only in their own powers and feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular Catholic style”.

We cannot do it alone. We must depend on God’s mercy and grace. I know this is tough in a society that encourages us still to just pull ourselves up by the “boot straps.” Pope Francis writes, “Only on the basis of God’s gift, freely accepted and humbly received, can we cooperate by our own efforts in our progressive transformation.”

Pope Francis notes in paragraph 57 that some Christians will still insist on taking another path. Pope Francis says “this results in self justification by their own efforts, the worship of the human will and their own abilities. The result is a self-centered and elitist complacency, bereft of true love.”

Once we believe that everything depends on human effort as channeled by ecclesial rules and structures, we unconsciously complicate the Gospel.

St.Thomas Aquinas warned that any precepts added to the Gospel by the Church should be imposed with moderation . “lest the conduct of the faithful become burdensome”, for then our religion would become a form of servitude

To avoid this, Pope Francis warns that charity must be at the center. “Saint Paul says that what truly counts is “faith working through love” (Gal5:6). We are called to make every effort to preserve charity: “The one who loves another has fulfilled the law… for love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom 13:8.10). The whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’” (Gal 5:14).

“May the Lord set the Church free from these new forms of gnosticism and pelagianism that weigh her down and block her progress along the path to holiness! These aberrations take various shapes, according to the temperament and character of each person. So I encourage everyone to reflect and discern before God whether they may be present in their lives.”

SUMMARY

As I reflect on the two contemporary enemies to our call to holiness in this chapter, I see them as stumbling blocks for me and maybe others in this way. If I believe knowledge is going to lead me to the promised land alone, I am going to become very smug and also tend to make judgments of others on the way.

Others, even in your own family may feel threatened if they don’t believe exactly what you do that they may be in danger of a bad end (hell). They may begin to view you as a threat and resent you. Do not forget mercy and love and God’s will that all will be saved, God knows best how to reach everyone where they are. Have faith in God. Don’t forget those nuances of God’s mercy in any preaching you do.

The idea that we can get to heaven (Pelagian) by our human will alone will drive us into scruples, discouragement, despair all fueled by our pride believing, we can do it our way. God’s friendship infinitely transcends us; we cannot buy it with our works, it is a free gift born of God’s initiative. God loved us first!  Turn to God and ask Him to give us what we need to be holy.

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INTRODUCTION
Today’s blog deals with the third chapter of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Et Exsultatate, a Call to Holiness. Today we will see that Jesus is The Example of Holiness. There is no other that captures all the elements of what it means to be holy as our Heavenly Father is Holy. Those who see Jesus see the Father. Quotation marks and italics are used for direct quotes of Pope Francis.

 

SUMMARY CHAPTER THREE
IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER

COMMENTARY
Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy when he gave us the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12). “The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So if anyone asks: “What must one do to be a good Christian?”, the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes, we find a portrait of the Master, which we are called to reflect in our daily lives. The word “happy” or “blessed” thus becomes a synonym for “holy”.
Let us listen once more to Jesus, with all the love and respect that the Master deserves.

Let us allow his words to unsettle us, to challenge us and to demand a real change in the way we live.

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Pope Francis suggests that wealth ensures nothing. Remember that fool building bigger barns for bigger harvests that would never come because his soul was called home that evening. In fact wealth can leave little room in our hearts for God’s word nor for others of this world, We need to discipline ourselves that we are not attached to any created thing, that we are poor in spirit and poor in heart so that God can enter our hearts and refresh them with new life and spirit.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”
In a world that embraces conflict, winning over losing, dominating over others, Jesus proposes a different way of doing things, the way of meekness. “Christ says: “Learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29 “Meekness is yet another expression of the interior poverty of those who put their trust in God alone. In every situation, the meek put their hope in the Lord, and those who hope for him shall possess the land… “This is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word” (Is 66:2).

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
“The world tells us exactly the opposite: entertainment, pleasure, diversion and escape make for the good life. The worldly person ignores problems of sickness or sorrow in the family or all around him; Much energy is expended on fleeing from situations of suffering in the belief that reality can be concealed. But the cross can never be absent. A person who sees things as they truly are is capable of touching life’s depths and finding authentic happiness. Such persons discover the meaning of life by coming to the aid of those who suffer. Knowing how to mourn with others: that is holiness”.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
“Jesus offers a justice other than that of the world, so often marred by petty interests and manipulated in various ways and corrupt practices. True justice comes about in people’s lives when they themselves are just in their decisions; especially to the poor, oppressed and marginalized. “Seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Is 1:17).

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy”
“Mercy has two aspects. It involves giving, helping and serving others, but it also includes forgiveness and understanding. Matthew sums it up in one golden rule: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” (7:12). .In Luke’s Gospel 6:36-38 Jesus tells us how to be holy as the Heavenly Father is Holy. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you” (6:36-38). Luke then adds something not to be overlooked: “The measure you give will be the measure you get back” (6:38). Acting with mercy, that is holiness.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”
“This Beatitude speaks of those whose hearts are simple, pure and undefiled, for a heart capable of love admits nothing that might harm, weaken or endanger that love. God wants to speak to our hearts ( Hos2:16); there he desires to write his law (Jer 31:33). In a word, he wants to give us a new heart (Ezek 36:26) A heart that loves God and neighbour (Mt 22:36-40), genuinely and not merely in words, is a pure heart; it can see God. Jesus promises that those who are pure in heart “will see God”.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
This Beatitude makes us think of the many endless situations of war in our world. Yet we ourselves are often a cause of conflict. For example, I may hear something about someone and I go off and repeat it. I may even embellish it the second time around and keep spreading it… The world of gossip, inhabited by negative and destructive people, does not bring peace.

To those who sow peace Jesus makes this magnificent promise: “They will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). It is not easy to “make” this evangelical peace, which excludes no one. It is hard work; it calls for great openness of mind and heart, We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skill.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Jesus himself warns us that the path he proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and, as a result, becoming a nuisance. Unless we wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, let us not long for an easy life, for “whoever would save his life will lose it” (Mt 16:25).

Whatever weariness and pain we may experience in living the commandment of love and following the way of justice, the cross remains the source of our growth and sanctification. Persecution exists today whether it is by the shedding of blood in some parts of the world or by more subtle means like lies and slander or ridicule of our faith in the public media. Jesus calls us blessed when people “utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Mt5:11). Accepting daily the path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is holiness.

CHALLENGES TO THE CALL TO HOLINESS
Pope Francis concludes this chapter with discussion of challenges to the call to holiness and the kind of worship God desires from his people. Jesus’ demands are demanding, a challenge to us all. He wasn’t kidding, no if’s, and’s, or but’s. Pope Francis goes on to say that, “mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.”

“If I encounter a person sleeping outdoors on a cold night, I can view him or her as an annoyance, an idler, an obstacle in my path, a troubling sight, a problem for politicians to sort out, or even a piece of refuse cluttering a public space. Or I can respond with faith and charity, and see in this person a human being with a dignity identical to my own, a creature infinitely loved by the Father, an image of God, a brother or sister redeemed by Jesus Christ. That is what it is to be a Christian”

Pope Francis writes about some of the distractions or excuses to avoid the heart of the Gospel. Some will say all this social justice stuff is secular, materialistic, even communist propaganda. Others will relativize it by claiming that only one thing counts most ie. opposition to abortion. That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian, for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters in need.

Pope Francis clearly states, “Our defence of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development.” Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, world situation on migrants, and every form of rejection.

THE WORSHIP MOST ACCEPTABLE TO GOD

We may think that we give glory to God only by our worship and prayer, but we cannot forget that the ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others. . “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.(Matthew 9:13) Mercy “is the very foundation of the Church’s life”.

“Hedonism and consumerism can prove our downfall, for when we are obsessed with our own pleasure, we end up being all too concerned about ourselves and our rights and ignore those in need…We must resist the feverish demands of a consumer society, which leave us impoverished, unsatisfied, and anxious to have it all now.”

Pope Francis concludes chapter 3 by encouraging us to read the lives of the saints who did take their Master seriously in conforming their lives to Jesus and His Beatitudes. The saints in heaven are blessed and sharing now in the Beatific Vision.”The powerful witness of the saints is revealed in their lives, shaped by the Beatitudes and the criterion of the final judgment. For Christianity is meant above all to be put into practice.”

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Mahatma Ghandi’s Lament

“I like your Christ,
I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

INTRODUCTION
In chapter 4 of Apostolic Exortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate, Rejoice and Be Glad, Call to Holiness, Pope Francis notes some of the signs of holiness in today’s world despite all the secular and pagan influence. Direct quotes of Pope Francis are italicized and in quotation marks.

CHAPTER FOUR
SIGNS OF HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD

PERSEVERANCE, PATIENCE AND MEEKNESS

The first of these great signs is solid grounding in the God who loves and sustains us. This source of inner strength enables us to persevere amid life’s ups and downs,….to endure hostility, betrayal and failings on the part of others. “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31):

 

Saint Paul bade the Romans not to repay evil for evil (cf. Rom 12:17), not to seek revenge (v. 19), and not to be overcome by evil, but instead to “overcome evil with good” (v. 21).

We need to recognize and combat our aggressive and selfish inclinations, and not let them take root. “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26). Have no anxiety about anything… let your requests be made known to God. And “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts”…” (Phil 4:6-7).

 

Saints do not waste energy complaining about the failings of others; they hold their tongue before the faults of their brothers and sisters, and avoid the verbal violence that demeans and mistreats others. The world may mock such behavior but Christ encourages us to follow in His footsteps, not the world. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21).
JOY AND A SENSE OF HUMOUR

The saints are joyful and full of good humour. The Christian life is “joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17), for “the necessary result of the love of charity is joy. Having received the beautiful gift of God’s word, we embrace it “in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 1:6) “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4).

 

After his resurrection, wherever the disciples went, there was “much joy” (Acts 8:8). Jesus assures us: “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy… I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (Jn 16:20.22).

 

Hard times may come, when the cross casts its shadow, yet nothing can destroy the supernatural joy that always endures, even as a flicker of light, born of our personal certainty. that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved” Joy brings deep security, serene hope and a spiritual fulfilment that the world cannot understand or appreciate.

 

Christian joy is usually accompanied by a sense of humour. Ill humour is no sign of holiness. We receive so much from the Lord “for our enjoyment” (1 Tim 6:17), that sadness can be a sign of ingratitude.

We can get so caught up in ourselves that we are unable to recognize God’s gifts. Let us rather imitate St. Paul,” “I have learned to be content with what I have” (Phil 4:11).

Joy in communion with others that shares and is shared in giving and receiving, increases our capacity for Joy since it makes us capable of rejoicing in the good of others. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom12:15).
BOLDNESS AND PASSION

Holiness is also boldness and passion, an impulse to evangelize and to leave a mark in this world.. How often we are tempted to keep close to the shore! Yet the Lord calls us to put out into the deep and let down our nets (cf. Lk 5:4). He bids us spend our lives in his service. Clinging to him, we are inspired to put all our charisms (gifts) at the service of others. “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16).

God is eternal newness. He impels us constantly to set out anew, to pass beyond what is familiar, to the fringes and beyond. He takes us to where humanity is most wounded, where men and women, continue to seek an answer to the question of life’s meaning. God is fearless! He is always greater than our plans and schemes.

Complacency is seductive; it tells us that there is no point in trying to change things….because this is the way things have always been…. By force of habit we no longer stand up to evil. We “let things be”, or as others have decided they ought to be…. let us allow the Lord to rouse us from our torpor…, Let us rethink our usual way of doing things; let us open our eyes and ears, and above all our hearts, so as not to be complacent…

Let us ask the Lord for the grace to respond eagerly and positively when the Spirit calls us to take a step forward. Let us ask for the apostolic courage to share the Gospel with others, stop trying to make our Christian life a museum of memories. In this way, the Church will not stand still, but constantly welcome the Lord’s surprises.
IN COMMUNITY

Growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others. We learn from others. We receive support and affirmation and we support others along the Way. Some are religious communities. Some are married couples and their families. Living and working alongside others is surely a means of developing and practicing holiness, surely a path of spiritual growth.

 

St. John of the Cross told his followers, “.You are living with others in order to be fashioned and tried”. We all need a little pruning, some more than others.

Contrary to the growing consumerist individualism that tends to isolate us in a quest for well-being apart from others, our path to holiness can only make us identify all the more with Jesus’ prayer “that all may be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you” (Jn 17:21). Living holiness in community is made up of small everyday things. It was also true in the time of Jesus.

Here are just a few examples of Jesus paying attention to small details of needs of those around him.
The little detail that wine was running out at a party.
The little detail that one sheep was missing.
The little detail of noticing the widow who offered her two small coins.
The little detail of having spare oil for the lamps, should the bridegroom delay.
The little detail of asking the disciples how many loaves of bread they had.
The little detail of having a fire burning and a fish cooking as he waited for the disciples at daybreak.
IN CONSTANT PRAYER

In this section, Pope Francis urges us to be people of constant prayer, echoing St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, “We urge you, brothers… support the weak, be patient with all…always seek what is good for each other and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.” (I Thes: 17)

Pope Francis quotes St. John of the Cross, ” Try to be continuous in prayer, Whether you eat, drink, talk with others, or do anything, always go to God and attach your heart to him” Being in this frame of mindset, we will always form our world view and choices with the mind of God. In the end our desire for God will find its expression in our daily lives.

Pope Francis then notes, “For this to happen, however, some moments spent alone with God are also necessary. Trust-filled prayer is a response of a heart open to encountering God face to face, where all is peaceful and the quiet voice of the Lord can be heard in the midst of silence….

 

So let me ask you: Are there moments when you place yourself quietly in the Lord’s presence, when you calmly spend time with him, when you bask in his gaze? Do you let his fire inflame your heart? Unless you let him warm you more and more with his love and tenderness, you will not catch fire. How will you then be able to set the hearts of others on fire by your words and witness?

In addition to prayers of adoration and thanksgiving, Pope Francis encourages prayers of supplication. “These prayers are also welcomed by God and acknowledges our complete trust and dependence on our Creator.”

“Let us not downplay prayer of petition, which so often calms our hearts and helps us persevere in hope. Prayer of intercession has particular value, for it is an act of trust in God and, at the same time, an expression of love for our neighbour. Intercessory prayer is an expression of our fraternal concern for others, since we are able to embrace their lives, their deepest troubles, and their loftiest dreams.”

As soon as I believed that there was a God,
I understood that I could do nothing
other than to live for him”.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld,

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INTRODUCTION
Today’s blog brings us to the conclusion of my summary/commentary on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate. There are five chapters and five posts in month of April which can be reviewed on left hand side of blog in archives. In this final chapter Pope Francis warns that Satan is a strong adversary to our path to holiness and we should make sure we are prepared to defend ourselves. Direct quotes of Pope Francis are italicized and in quotation marks.
CHAPTER FIVE
SPIRITUAL COMBAT, VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT
The Christian life is a constant battle. We need strength and courage to withstand the temptations of the devil and to proclaim the Gospel. This battle is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each time the Lord triumphs in our lives.
COMBAT AND VIGILANCE
This battle cannot be reduced to the struggle against our human weaknesses and proclivities, be they laziness, lust, envy, jealousy or any others. It is also a constant struggle against the devil, the prince of evil. Jesus himself celebrates our victories over Satan. “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk 10:18).

The devil is more than a myth. He is present in the very first pages of the Scriptures, which end with God’s victory over the devil. Indeed, in leaving us the Our Father, Jesus wanted us to conclude by asking the Father to “deliver us from evil”. That final word does not refer to evil in the abstract; a more exact translation would be “the evil one”. It indicates a personal being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ask daily for deliverance from him, lest his power prevail over us.

It would be a mistake to view the devil as some kind of symbol or figure of speech. That mistake would allow us to let down our guard against a very tough adversary, smarter than us. The devil does not need to possess us. He poisons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy and vice. When we let down our guard, he takes advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and our communities. “Like a roaring lion, he prowls around, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8).

Along this journey, the cultivation of all that is good, progress in the spiritual life and growth in love are the best counterbalance to evil. Those who choose to remain neutral, who are satisfied with little, who renounce the ideal of giving themselves generously to the Lord, will never hold out. If we become careless, the false promises of evil will easily seduce us.

The path of holiness is a source of peace and joy, given to us by the Spirit. At the same time, it demands that we keep “our lamps lit” (Lk 12:35) and be attentive. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess 5:22). “Keep awake” (Mt 24:42; Mk 13:35). “Let us not fall asleep” (1 Thess 5:6).

Beware of Spiritual corruption where we become so complacent and not acknowledging any sin on our behalf that our conscience is frayed and distorted. Spiritual corruption can be worse than the fall of a sinner. Everything then appears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self-centredness, for “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14).

DISCERNMENT

How can we know if something comes from the Holy Spirit or if it stems from the spirit of the world or the spirit of the devil? The only way is through discernment, which calls for something more than intelligence or common sense. It is a gift which we must implore. If we ask with confidence that the Holy Spirit grant us this gift, and then seek to develop it through prayer, reflection, reading and good counsel, then surely we will grow in this spiritual endowment.

The gift of discernment has become all the more necessary today, since contemporary life offers immense possibilities for action and distraction, and the world presents all of them as valid and good. This is all the more important when some novelty presents itself in our lives. Then we have to decide whether it is new wine brought by God or an illusion created by the spirit of this world or the spirit of the devil.

We must examine ourselves closely….what is within us…our desires, anxieties, fears….what takes place around us….the signs of the times. Test everything, hold fast to what is good. (I Thess 5:21) Always in the light of the Lord!

Discernment is necessary not only at extraordinary times, when we need to resolve grave problems and make crucial decisions…We need it at all times, to help us recognize God’s timetable, lest we fail to heed the promptings of his grace. For this reason, I ask all Christians not to omit, in dialogue with the Lord, a sincere daily “examination of conscience”.

Discernment leads us to knowledge of the purpose of our life. Nobody knows that purpose better than God who knows me and loves me. The Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, at work, through others and at every moment. Speak Lord, your servant listens!

We must remember that prayerful discernment must be born of a readiness to listen: to the Lord and to others, and to reality itself, which always challenges us in new ways. Only if we are prepared to listen, do we have the freedom to set aside our own partial or insufficient ideas, our usual habits and ways of seeing things.

In this way, we become truly open to accepting a call that can shatter our security, but lead us to a better life. It is not enough that everything be calm and peaceful. God may be offering us something more, but in our comfortable inadvertence, we do not recognize it.

We are blessed in our discernment with guides like Holy Scriptures, the Church, Jesus founded that protects and preserves Jesus’ teachings. The Holy Spirit is not to be forgotten either. The Spirit alone can penetrate what is obscure and hidden in every situation and grasp every nuance so the newness of the Gospel is always relevant to us even today.

Discernment is not about discovering what more we can get out of this life, but about recognizing how we can better accomplish the mission entrusted to us at our baptism according to God’s time-table. This entails a readiness to make sacrifices, even to sacrificing everything. 

When, in God’s presence, we examine our life’s journey, no areas can be off limits. In all aspects of life we can continue to grow and offer something greater to God, even in those areas we find most difficult. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to liberate us and to expel the fear that makes us ban him from certain parts of our lives.

God asks everything of us, yet he also gives everything to us. He does not want to enter our lives to diminish them, but to bring them to fulfillment. Discernment leaves ourselves behind as we rush into the loving arms of God in order to approach the mystery of God and his benevolence to us and our neighbor. Our mission is not for ourselves alone but also for all those, a loving God has placed in our path.

I would like these reflections to be crowned by Mary because She is that woman who treasured everything in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint among the saints. She lived the Beatitudes of Jesus as none other. She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side…Mary our Mother does not need a flood of words. She does not need us to tell her what is happening in our lives. All we need do is whisper, time and time again: “Hail Mary…”

It is my hope that these pages will prove helpful by enabling the whole Church to devote herself anew to promoting the desire for holiness. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us a fervent longing to be saints for God’s greater glory, and let us encourage one another in this effort. In this way, we will share a happiness that the world will not be able to take from us.

(Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on 19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, in the year 2018, the sixth of my Pontificate.)

 

Francis

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