Pope Francis keeps it simple
Echoing Jesus' words in the gospel, Pope Francis made headlines around the world with his simple question, “Who am I to judge?" regarding gay priests; equally surprising, however . . .
Echoing Jesus' words in the gospel, Pope Francis on his way back from World Youth Day made headlines around the world with his simple question, “Who am I to judge?" regarding gay priests; equally notable, however, were comments he made earlier last Sunday in an address to the bishops of Brazil, the world’s largest episcopate. One of the pope’s key messages was similar to that of Jesus to his disciples: One’s life—including the life of the church—does not consist of possessions.
“The results of our pastoral work do not depend on a wealth of resources,” said Francis, “but on the creativity of love. To be sure, perseverance, effort, hard work, planning, and organization all have their place, but first and foremost we need to realize that the church’s power does not reside in herself; it is hidden in the deep waters of God, into which she is called to cast her nets."
The church, Francis said, “cannot leave simplicity behind; otherwise she forgets how to speak the language of mystery. Not only does she herself remain outside the door of the mystery, but she proves incapable of approaching those who look to the church for something which they themselves cannot provide, namely, God himself. At times we lose people because they don’t understand what we are saying, because we have forgotten the language of simplicity and import an intellectualism foreign to our people. Without the grammar of simplicity, the church loses the very conditions which make it possible 'to fish' for God in the deep waters of his mystery. . . .
"People today are attracted by things that are faster and faster: rapid internet connections, speedy cars and planes, instant relationships. But at the same time we see a desperate need for calmness, I would even say slowness. Is the church still able to move slowly: to take the time to listen, to have the patience to mend and reassemble?”
Homily hint: What do you make of Pope Francis' emphasis on the church’s role as something which is not quick to judge as it takes time to listen to the concerns of its children. We would all do well to slow down, remain calm, and seek the simplicity and creativity of love.
“The results of our pastoral work do not depend on a wealth of resources,” said Francis, “but on the creativity of love. To be sure, perseverance, effort, hard work, planning, and organization all have their place, but first and foremost we need to realize that the church’s power does not reside in herself; it is hidden in the deep waters of God, into which she is called to cast her nets."
The church, Francis said, “cannot leave simplicity behind; otherwise she forgets how to speak the language of mystery. Not only does she herself remain outside the door of the mystery, but she proves incapable of approaching those who look to the church for something which they themselves cannot provide, namely, God himself. At times we lose people because they don’t understand what we are saying, because we have forgotten the language of simplicity and import an intellectualism foreign to our people. Without the grammar of simplicity, the church loses the very conditions which make it possible 'to fish' for God in the deep waters of his mystery. . . .
"People today are attracted by things that are faster and faster: rapid internet connections, speedy cars and planes, instant relationships. But at the same time we see a desperate need for calmness, I would even say slowness. Is the church still able to move slowly: to take the time to listen, to have the patience to mend and reassemble?”
Homily hint: What do you make of Pope Francis' emphasis on the church’s role as something which is not quick to judge as it takes time to listen to the concerns of its children. We would all do well to slow down, remain calm, and seek the simplicity and creativity of love.
Source: Vatican Radio