I am currently doing my remote preparation for the parish Mission “Pope Francis and how to be a s21st Century Catholic” and I’ve come across two passages that I think I can offer for us all in our own preparation for the mission.
[p 35 and p37 of Pope Francis’ little book of wisdom.]
Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a vey real danger for believers, too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry, and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ.
Joy is born from the gratuitousness of an encounter! It is hearing someone say, but not necessarily with words: “You are important to me”. Saint Thomas said: “Bonum est diffusivum sui”——-Good spreads. And joy also spreads. Do not be afraid to show the joy of having answered the Lord’s call, of having responded to His choice of love and of bearing witness to His Gospel in service to the Church. And joy, true joy, is contagious; it is infectious……it impels one forward.
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter
