POPE TALK | KAIROS GLOBAL | JULY 2019

Author: Dr. Kochurani  Joseph

Animator, National  Professionals Ministry, India

Benedict XVI gives me strength 

Pope Francis says that his relationship with Benedict XVI gives him strength and reminds him of the living tradition of the Church. In his own words, “When I hear him speak, I become strong. I hear the story of the Church.” Benedict XVI reminds me that the tradition of the Church is always in motion. Tradition is a tree that grows, flourishes, and bears fruit. Tradition is the guarantee of the future and not the keeper of the ashes. It's not a museum.  

The call of fraternal love animate human encounters

Indifference to the other is the beginning of anger, resentment, and prejudice. We need gifts like respect for the value of life, solidarity, hospitality, helpfulness, support and concern for the vulnerable within community, respect and appreciation for the elderly and for the religious meaning of life. Wherever you find yourselves, share these gifts and try to accept all the good that others can offer to you. The Church must be a place of encounter, where the other is always welcomed and valued, this require a constant choice by each person.

 Abortion is never the answer 

Human life is sacred and inviolable, and the use of prenatal diagnosis for selective purposes must be strongly discouraged because it is the expression of an inhuman eugenics mentality, which removes the possibility for families to accept, embrace and love their weakest children. Say “Yes to Life’’, caring for the precious gift of life in its frailness. Sometimes people ask me, what does prenatal hospice look like? And I answer, ‘It looks like love.’’

The Holy Spirit came as fire, not a schedule, 

Pope Francis condemned an exaggerated focus on plans and agendas which do not leave room for the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit. He warned against “the temptation of efficiency,” which causes people to think everything in the Church is going well as long as it is under control, “without shocks,” and “agenda always in order.”  The Spirit does not come bearing an agenda, it comes as fire. Jesus does not want the Church to be a perfect model, which is pleased with its own organization and is capable of defending its good name. Avoid the temptation of what he called “efficiency-ism” as well as worshipping ourselves and our goodness.

Prayer invites us to be audacious in calling God "Father". 

On the cross Jesus cries out: “My God, my God”, and we see here the fulcrum of his relationship with the Father.  This also reflects the heart of our own trust and prayer.  Throughout the New Testament, it is clear that the first principle of every prayer is the Holy Spirit, who breathes into the hearts of the disciples. Herein lies the mystery of Christian prayer: that by grace we are drawn into the Holy Trinity’s dialogue of love. 

Salvation is not bought, it is a gift 

The gift of the Spirit is freely given; it cannot be merited or earned. The Lord himself gives everything for free. Salvation is not bought or paid for: it is a free gift. Lord repeats to us today, ‘‘I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.’’ As such, when the Holy Spirit is present in human words, they in turn become dynamic, capable of inflaming hearts and overcoming walls of destruction. 

Pope Francis says...

• The history of humanity still echoes the relationship of Cain and Abel 

• There is the civilization of love and the civilization of hate, each day we have to choose between them.

• Your testimony of love is a gift to the world The right path through the Word of God is humility, communion, and renunciation.

• Your testimony of love is a gift to the world

• The right path through the Word of God is humility, communion, and renunciation.

• Faith is not a “ready-made” recipe, but a path that has to be travelled together with a spirit of trust.

  
  

The Integrity of Justice

That those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.