QUICK SUMMARY OF POPE’S NEW DOCUMENT ON HOLINESS
https://aleteia.org/2018/04/09/quick-summary-of-popes-new-document-on-holiness/
Aleteia - published on
04/09/18
Gaudete et exsultate: On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World
GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE
ON THE CALL TO HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD
1. “REJOICE AND BE GLAD”
(Mt 5:12), Jesus tells those persecuted or humiliated for his sake. The Lord
asks everything of us, and in return he offers us true life, the happiness for
which we were created. He wants us to be saints and not to settle for a bland
and mediocre existence. The call to holiness is present in various ways from
the very first pages of the Bible. We see it expressed in the Lord’s words to
Abraham: “Walk before me, and be blameless” (Gen 17:1).
2. What follows is not
meant to be a treatise on holiness, containing definitions and distinctions
helpful for understanding this important subject, or a discussion of the
various means of sanctification. My modest goal is to repropose the call to
holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges
and opportunities. For the Lord has chosen each one of us “to be holy and
blameless before him in love” (Eph 1:4).
CHAPTER ONE: THE CALL TO HOLINESS
THE SAINTS WHO ENCOURAGE
AND ACCOMPANY US
4. The saints now in God’s presence preserve their bonds of love and communion
with us.
THE SAINTS “NEXT DOOR”
6. Nor need we think only of those already beatified and canonized. God wanted
to enter into the life and history of a people.
7. I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people:
In their daily perseverance I see the holiness of the Church militant. A
holiness found in our next-door neighbours; the middle class of holiness.
THE LORD CALLS
11. We should not grow discouraged before examples of holiness that appear
unattainable.
FOR YOU TOO
14. 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 labouring 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. 15.In the Church,
holy yet made up of sinners, you will find everything you need to grow towards
holiness.
YOUR MISSION IN CHRIST
19. Each saint is a mission, planned by the Father to reflect and embody, at a
specific moment in history, a certain aspect of the Gospel.
21. “Holiness is nothing other than charity lived to the full”. (Benedict XVI)
ACTIVITY THAT SANCTIFIES
26. It is not healthy to love silence while fleeing interaction with others, to
want peace and quiet while avoiding activity, to seek prayer while disdaining
service.
29. This does not mean ignoring the need for moments of quiet, solitude and
silence before God. Quite the contrary.
MORE ALIVE, MORE HUMAN
32. 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.
34. Do not be afraid to set your sights higher. Do not be afraid to let
yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. “The only great tragedy in life, is not
to become a saint” (León Bloy).
CHAPTER TWO: TWO SUBTLE ENEMIES OF HOLINESS
CONTEMPORARY GNOSTICISM
An intellect without God
and without flesh
38. Certainly this is a
superficial conceit: there is much movement on the surface, but the mind is neither
deeply moved nor affected.
39. It can be present within the Church: to reduce Jesus’ teaching to a cold
and harsh logic that seeks to dominate everything.
A doctrine without
mystery
42. Even when someone’s
life appears completely wrecked, even when we see it devastated by vices or
addictions, God is present there.
The limits of reason
45. Saint John Paul II
warned of the temptation on the part of those in the Church who are more highly
educated “to feel somehow superior to other members of the faithful”.
CONTEMPORARY PELAGIANISM
A will lacking humility
49. When some of them
tell the weak that all things can be accomplished with God’s grace, deep down
they tend to give the idea that all things are possible by the human will; God
commands you to do what you can and to “command what you will” (Saint
Augustine).
An often overlooked
Church teaching
52. The Church has
repeatedly taught that we are justified not by our own works or efforts, but by
the grace of the Lord, who always takes the initiative.
New pelagians
58. Not infrequently,
contrary to the promptings of the Spirit, the life of the Church can become a
museum piece or the possession of a select few. This may well be a subtle form
of pelagianism.
The summation of the Law
60. “For the whole law is
summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’”
(Gal 5:14).
CHAPTER THREE: IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER
63. “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.
GOING AGAINST THE FLOW
“Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
69. This spiritual
poverty is closely linked to what Saint Ignatius of Loyola calls “holy
indifference”, which brings us to a radiant interior freedom.
70. Being poor of heart: that is holiness.
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth”
72. “Perfect charity
consists in putting up with others’ mistakes, and not being scandalized by
their faults” (Saint Thérèse of Lisieux).
74. Reacting with meekness and humility: that is holiness.
“Blessed are those who
mourn, for they will be comforted”
75. The world tells us
exactly the opposite: Much energy is expended on fleeing from situations of
suffering in the belief that reality can be concealed.
76. Knowing how to mourn
with others: that is holiness.
“Blessed are those who
hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”
79. While it is true that
the word “justice” can be a synonym for faithfulness to God’s will in every
aspect of our life, if we give the word too general a meaning, we forget that
it is shown especially in justice towards those who are most vulnerable.
Hungering and thirsting for righteousness: that is holiness.
“Blessed are the
merciful, for they will receive mercy”
80. The Catechism reminds
us that this law is to be applied “in every case”, especially when we are
“confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision
difficult”.
85. From the heart’s
intentions come the desires and the deepest decisions that determine our
actions. 86. Keeping a heart free of all that tarnishes love: that is holiness.
82. Seeing and acting
with mercy: that is holiness.
“Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they will see God”
“Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
89. It is not easy to
“make” this evangelical peace, which excludes no one but embraces even those
who are a bit odd, troublesome or difficult.
Sowing peace all around us: that is holiness.
“Blessed are those who
are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
94. Persecutions are not
a reality of the past, for today too we experience them, whether by the
shedding of blood, as is the case with so many contemporary martyrs, or by more
subtle means, by slander and lies. Accepting daily the path of the Gospel, even
though it may cause us problems: that is holiness.
THE GREAT CRITERION
95. “I was hungry and you
gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you
welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of
me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25, 35-36).
In fidelity to the Master
98. 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.
That is what it is to be a Christian!
Ideologies striking at
the heart of the Gospel
100. I regret that
ideologies lead us at times to two harmful errors. On the one hand, there is
the error of those Christians who separate these Gospel demands from their
personal relationship with the Lord, from their interior union with him, from
openness to his grace.
101. The other harmful
ideological error is found in those who find suspect the social engagement of
others, seeing it as superficial, worldly, secular, materialist, communist or
populist. Our defence of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear,
firm and passionate. Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those
already born, the destitute, the abandoned.
102. We often hear it
said that, with respect to relativism and the flaws of our present world, the
situation of migrants, for example, is a lesser issue. Some Catholics consider
it a secondary issue compared to the “grave” bioethical questions.
103. This is not a notion
invented by some Pope, or a momentary fad.
The worship most
acceptable to God
107. Those who really
wish to give glory to God by their lives, who truly long to grow in holiness,
are called to be single-minded and tenacious in their practice of the works of
mercy.
** *
CHAPTER FOUR: SIGNS OF HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD
110. I will not pause to
explain the means of sanctification already known to us: the various methods of
prayer, the inestimable sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, the
offering of personal sacrifices, different forms of devotion, spiritual
direction, and many others as well. Here I will speak only of certain aspects
of the call to holiness that I hope will prove especially meaningful.
111. They are five great
expressions of love for God and neighbour that I consider of particular
importance in the light of certain dangers and limitations present in today’s
culture. There we see a sense of anxiety, sometimes violent, that distracts and
debilitates; negativity and sullenness; the self-content bred by consumerism;
individualism; and all those forms of ersatz spirituality – having nothing to
do with God – that dominate the current religious marketplace.
108. Hedonism and
consumerism can prove our downfall. Similarly, when we allow ourselves to be
caught up in superficial information, instant communication and virtual
reality, we can waste precious time and become indifferent to the suffering
flesh of our brothers and sisters.
109. The powerful witness
of the saints is revealed in their lives, shaped by the Beatitudes and the
criterion of the final judgement. I recommend rereading these great biblical
texts frequently, referring back to them, praying with them, trying to embody
them. They will benefit us; they will make us genuinely happy.
112. PERSEVERANCE,
PATIENCE AND MEEKNESS
122. JOY AND A SENSE OF
HUMOUR
129. BOLDNESS AND PASSION
140. IN COMMUNITY
147. IN CONSTANT PRAYER
CHAPTER FIVE: SPIRITUAL
COMBAT, VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT
158. 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
159. We are not dealing merely with a battle against the world and a worldly
mentality that would deceive us and leave us dull and mediocre, lacking in
enthusiasm and joy. Nor can this battle be reduced to the struggle against our
human weaknesses and proclivities. It is also a constant struggle against the
devil. Jesus himself celebrates our victories.
More than a myth
161. Hence, we should not
think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or
an idea. This mistake would lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and
end up more vulnerable. 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.
Alert and trustful
162. Our path towards
holiness is a constant battle. Those who do not realize this will be prey to
failure or mediocrity. For this spiritual combat, we can count on the powerful
weapons that the Lord has given us: faith-filled prayer, meditation on the word
of God, the celebration of Mass, Eucharistic adoration, sacramental
Reconciliation, works of charity, community life, missionary outreach.
Spiritual corruption
164. “Let us not fall
asleep”. Those who think they commit no grievous sins against God’s law can
fall into a state of dull lethargy.
DISCERNMENT
166. 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.
An urgent need
167. All of us, but
especially the young, are immersed in a culture of zapping. Without the wisdom
of discernment, we can easily become prey to every passing trend.
Always in the light of
the Lord
169. Discernment is necessary
not only at extraordinary times, when we need to resolve grave problems. We
need it at all times. Often discernment is exercised in small and apparently
irrelevant things.
A supernatural gift
171. The Lord speaks to
us in a variety of ways, at work, through others and at every moment. Yet we
simply cannot do without the silence of prolonged prayer, which enables us
better to perceive God’s language, to interpret the real meaning of the inspirations.
Speak, Lord
172. 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.
173. It is not a matter of applying rules or repeating what was done in the past.
The logic of gift and of
the cross
175. We need, though, to
ask the Holy Spirit to liberate us and to expel the fear that makes us ban him
from certain parts of our lives. Discernment, then, is not a solipsistic
self-analysis or a form of egotistical introspection, but an authentic process
of leaving ourselves behind.
** *
176. I would like these
reflections to be crowned by Mary, because she lived the Beatitudes of Jesus as
none other. She is that woman who rejoiced in the presence of God, who
treasured everything in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword.
Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others. She teaches us
the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side. She does not let us remain
fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us. Our converse
with her consoles, frees and sanctifies us. 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…”
177. 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.
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