“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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