POPE TALK | KAIROS GLOBAL | MARCH 2021

Author: Dr Kochurani Joseph

Without liturgy, Christianity is without the whole of Christ

Every time we celebrate a baptism, or consecrate the bread and wine in the Eucharist, or anoint the body of a sick person with holy oil, Christ is there. It is he who acts and is present as when he healed the weak limbs of a sick person, or when at the Last Supper, he delivered his testament for the salvation of the world. A Christianity without liturgy, I would dare say is perhaps a Christianity without Christ, without the whole of Christ. The mission of Christ and of the Holy Spirit proclaims, makes present, and communicates the mystery of salvation, which is continued in the heart that prays.

Learn from the patience of Simeon and Anna

Simeon and Anna are models of the trusting ‘patience of heart’ that can keep hope alive during difficult times. They did not complain about how wrong things were, but patiently looked for the light shining in the darkness of history. In this way, may our eyes, too, see the light of salvation and bring that light to the whole world. Simeon learned that God does not come through extraordinary events, but works amid the apparent monotony of our daily life, in the dull rhythm of our activities, in the little things, working with tenacity and humility. Simeon’s patience was born of prayer and the history of the Jewish people, who had always seen the Lord as a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and fidelity. Simeon’s patience mirrored God’s own patience. 

Catechesis is a special space for fostering a personal encounter with Him

Catechists have the vital responsibility of leading others to a personal encounter with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture. The ‘kerygma’ is a person: Jesus Christ. Catechetical leaders should remember that the important thing is not to talk about themselves, but to talk about God, about his love and fidelity. Catechesis is taking others by the hand and accompanying them. Today the Church is called to offer a renewed catechesis that inspires every area of pastoral care: charity, liturgy, family, culture, social life and economics.  

The call to mission is a call to everyone, in different ways

In our present circumstances, there is an urgent need for missionaries of hope. To be on mission is to be willing to think as Christ does, to believe with him that those around us are our brethren. The first Christians, far from yielding to the temptation to become an elite group, were inspired by the Lord and his offer of new life, to go out among the nations and to bear witness to him. In these days of pandemic, when there is a temptation to disguise and justify indifference and apathy, there is an urgent need for the mission of compassion, which can make that necessary distancing an opportunity for encounter, care and promotion.  

Unity can only be achieved as a fruit of prayer

Christians should pursue the path toward full visible unity. The devil always seeks to sow division and discord. He fosters division everywhere and in any way, while the Holy Spirit always joins in unity. Ask God for unity to overcome the scandal of division among Christians. During this time of serious hardship, this prayer is even more necessary so that unity might prevail over conflicts.

Pope Francis says …

• The Second Vatican Council would be the great catechism of the new times.

• Community life requires ‘reciprocal patience’ in the face of weakness and failings of one's brothers and sisters.

• Always carry a small Gospel in your pocket or bag, to read it during the day, to listen to that authoritative word of Jesus.

• Children are ‘innocent victims’ in the separation of their parents.

• Catholics should not succumb to the temptation of justifying indifference on the basis of COVID-19 restrictions.

• Jesus needs hearts capable of experiencing vocation as a true love story that urges them to go forth to the peripheries of our world as messengers of compassion.

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March

Sacrament of ReconciliationLet us pray that we may experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.