I’ve committed myself to a slow, prayerful re-reading of The Joy of the Gospel, the apostolic
exhortation published by Pope Francis on November 24, 2013. It is a beautiful
document, both reflective and practical, filled with wisdom, joy and love. I’m
not going to undertake a commentary here; the document is more eloquent than
anything I could write myself. Here are some excerpts from just the first three
paragraphs, followed by a couple of questions I offer for consideration. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to read (or
re-read) the document yourself. Here goes:
“Those who [encounter Jesus] are
set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.”
A brief prayer: ‘Lord, I have let
myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am
once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord,
take me once more into your redeeming embrace.’
The effects of consumerism in
today’s world: “the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous
heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience.”
“God never tires of forgiving us;
we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.”
My questions:
1. Have
you ever asked to be set free from “sin, sorrow, emptiness and
loneliness”?
2. What
is the difference between pleasure and joy?
3. Can
you recall and times in your life where your pursuit of pleasure has actually
caused pain in your life?
4. Do
you think God would give up on you if you have to ask for forgiveness too
often?
More about this in another reflection some day.
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