reflections, updates and homilies from Deacon Mike Talbot inspired by the following words from my ordination: Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach...
Showing posts with label General Audience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Audience. Show all posts
Pope: Progress is truly human if it makes the world better for everyone
Pope Leo XIV continues his catechesis on ‘Gaudium et spes,’ focusing on the chapter dedicated to the meaning of human activity in the universe. ‘Gaudium et spes,” he says, invites us to share “the bread of knowledge and know-how,” so that humanity can develop its potential and, with the help of God, work together to build “a better future.”
By Christopher Wells
Vatican II’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church, Gaudium et spes—the subject of Pope Leo XIV’s current cycle of catecheses at the General Audiences—addresses the “fundamental” question, “What is the value of human activity in the world, and therefore of technical, social, and scientific progress?”
In his remarks on Wednesday, the Holy Father clearly affirms, “the human being is the agent of progress” advancing society through freedom and intelligence.
Pope Leo lamented the modern prejudice that sees scientific and technical progress as weakening the relationship with God. “In post-Christian humanist thought,” he explained, “human beings and God are erroneously presented as rivals: in order to assert his knowledge, his freedom, and his progress, man is thought to have to emancipate himself from God.”
Such a denial, however, results in losing “the possibility of affirming the transcendent value of the human person.”
Human beings cooperate in God's plan
Instead, Gaudium et spes states clearly that Christians “can justly consider that by their labour they are unfolding the Creator’s work, consulting the advantages of their brother men, and contributing by their personal industry to the realization in history of the divine plan.”
In essence, Pope Leo said, “God has placed in the hands of men and women a creation that is still in statu viae—that is, on a journey, in the process of growth—so that they may bring it to fulfilment through their wise activity.”
Tying this idea to “the mystery of the Incarnation,” the Pope said, “humanity… is not absorbed or nullified by the encounter with God, but rather taken up in its entirety, continuing to be, in Christ, free and active.”
“From this perspective,” he continued, “an important truth emerges: to encounter God, the human being must not abandon his earthly vocations, but can live his vocation fully carrying out his daily work and sanctifying it.”
Like all human beings, Christians work to build up “the city of man,” which must be distinguished from the development of “the Kingdom of God.” However, the Pope noted the Council’s affirmation that progress in building up human society “is of vital concern to the kingdom of God.”
Progress must be inspired by charity
Finally, Pope Leo insisted that “in order to be authentic human progress… technical and scientific progress must be inspired by charity. Only in this way can it always be placed in the service of human dignity and promote the living conditions of all, especially the most disadvantaged.”
The Second Vatican Council, he concluded, “invites us to share the bread of knowledge and know-how, so that every person and every people may develop their potential, and together, with God’s help, we may build a better future.”
Pope: Humanity’s future depends on collaboration in building a more humane world
Continuing his catechesis on “Gaudium et spes", Pope Leo highlights how recognizing the interconnectedness of people challenges us to “evaluate today’s social and political projects based on the criteria of the dignity of the human person” with the goal of building a better world.
By Kielce Gussie
In St. Peter’s Square for his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV continued his catechesis cycle on the Constitution Gaudium et spes (GS), whose second chapter is dedicated to the “human community.”
Gaudium et spes highlights the “the growing interdependence of men one on the other” as “one of the salient features of the modern world”. Yet, the Pope pointed out that this must find fulfilment “on the deeper level … of this communion between persons”, for which “a mutual respect for the full spiritual dignity of the person” is essential.
Turning to algorithms rather than people
In today’s world, Pope Leo stressed that these two statements from the Constitution are ever more urgent. Technological advancement, the spread of mass and social media, and the growing use of AI, on the one hand, create new opportunities, break down barriers, and bridge gaps.
However, on the other hand, these developments have also led to more virtual, less personal relationships. There is also the risk that people grow used to turning to algorithms for choices that should be reserved only for the human conscience.
“Ensuring that social relationships have real substance and personal depth is, in this regard, the contribution that the Christian community seeks to offer,” the Pope explained.
Pope Leo continued his cycle of catechesis on Gaudium et spes (@Vatican Media)
Everyone, he said, should be part of one family and treat each other as brothers and sisters. For this reason, “‘love for God and neighbor is the first and greatest commandment’ which found its full revelation and complete fulfilment in Christ”.
One family
The perfection of the human person and society’s development must be held as “closely interdependent.” Pope Leo warned that if they are set “against one another” or if they are separated, it “would be to render them meaningless.”
This can be seen throughout in history. That is why, as the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council stated, all social institutions must have the human person as their subject and goal.
Gaudium et spes, in this regard, highlights the diversity of people around the world as “a resource for enrichment and growth” rather than “as a danger or a threat”. Conflict, which can turn into violence, stems from the power of sin and the way “it conditions mindsets and actions at every level, causing destruction and death.”
To contrast this, the Pope encouraged everyone to be even more open to “the logic of reciprocity, sharing, and care”.
In Gaudium et spes, the common good is made of “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfilment”.
This goes hand-in-hand with recognizing the “interdependence between peoples”, as each social group needs to take into consideration every group’s needs and goals as well as the general wellbeing of the entire human family.
Practical and urgent consequences
With this in mind, the Council Fathers laid out “practical and particularly urgent consequences”. First, respect for the human person. Anything opposed to life itself, violates the integrity of a person and insults human dignity: “all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed” (ibid).
The second consequence is the fundamental equality of each and every human being, “which demands social justice.” Discrimination of any kind must be overcome and “eradicated as contrary to God’s intent”.
Pope Leo pointed out that the Council Fathers challenge us to “overcome the individualistic mindset and to adopt an attitude of responsibility and participation”.
He concluded that this vision of humanity as a “community of people” is “a valuable legacy that the Second Vatican Council has left us.” It calls us to make personal and communal discernment in order to evaluate current political and social events with the criteria of human dignity in mind.
“For the future of humanity depends on each person’s commitment to collaborate with God and with their brothers and sisters in building a more humane world.”
Pope at Audience: Human dignity must always be defended as God’s gift
At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV continues his reflection on Vatican II’s ‘Gaudium et Spes,’ and says the dignity of every human person is a permanent gift of God’s love that we must defend.
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV dedicated his Wednesday General Audience to the dignity of the human person, urging Christians to defend it in every circumstance with “the light and strength of the Gospel.”
Continuing his reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes, the Pope said recognition of fundamental human rights represents one of the most important achievements in human history.
However, he warned, humanity’s journey towards the full recognition of human dignity remains incomplete, since old and new contradictions continue to obstruct it.
Pope Leo said the Church contributes to this journey by recalling that dignity arises from the very being of each person.
Quoting his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, he stressed that every human being is “planned and willed by God” for communion with Him, with others and with creation.
“Human dignity does not depend on a person’s abilities, wealth or position in life, nor on the right or wrong choices made,” he said. “Instead, it is a gift that precedes and transcends each person, endowed by God as an expression of His unfailing love.”
The Pope explained that this infinite dignity is rooted in humanity’s creation in the image of God.
Human beings are capable of knowing and loving our Creator, while the rest of creation is entrusted to our responsible care.
Christ, he added, reveals the ultimate foundation of this dignity by revealing humanity to itself and making known to us our highest calling.
Pope Leo went on to say that human dignity can never be understood in isolation.
“To be a person means to perceive oneself as a gift to be shared, growing and maturing through acceptance, reciprocity and service,” he said.
Dignity therefore entails both personal responsibility and solidarity with others. It calls for mutual care and for resistance to the many forms of manipulation that distort the understanding of the human person.
The Pope acknowledged that humanity remains wounded by sin and divided within itself, caught in a struggle between good and evil.
Yet, he said, Christians can face this fragility with hope because Christ came to free, strengthen and renew humanity from within.
Citing Gaudium et Spes, Pope Leo also rejected any separation between body and soul, recalling that the human person “though made of body and soul, is one.”
Treating the body as an object that can be used or disposed of arbitrarily, he said, constitutes a denial of human dignity.
The body must instead be regarded as good and worthy of honour, since it was created by God and destined for resurrection.
The Pope then highlighted intelligence, conscience, and freedom as three essential expressions of human dignity. Intelligence seeks truth, conscience gives unity and meaning to life, and freedom allows people to take responsibility for our decisions.
Pope Leo concluded by recalling that the Holy Spirit frees us from fear and confirms our dignity as children of God.
“Created in God’s image, through Christ and for His sake, we have received a unique and indelible dignity,” he said. “Let us commit ourselves to promoting and defending it always.”
Pope at Audience: Church is called to serve humanity, unmask society's contradictions
At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the Church’s mission to be at the service of humanity by engaging with reality, getting involved in the challenges our time period faces and bear witness to Christ.
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
In a time marked by tensions, conflicts and many changes, the Church is called to be at the service of humanity – especially those who are most vulnerable – by engaging with reality, including its contradictions, Pope Leo XIV said during the Wednesday General Audience on September 2.
The Church must “leave behind all passivity and indifference in the face of current events, history and people’s lives, especially in the face of the rapid and profound changes we are experiencing today,” the Pope highlighted to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
“We cannot remain as unengaged spectators; rather, we must listen with our hearts, allow ourselves to be challenged, and become involved. With Christ and sustained by the power of His Spirit, believers are called to take on the burdens of their brothers and sisters, especially those who are crushed by injustice, discrimination, and violence.”
Pope Leo began a new phase in his catechesis series on the Documents of the Second Vatican Council by reflecting on the 1965 Pastoral ConstitutionGaudium et Spes (meaning “joy and hope”) on the Church in the modern world.
Christians must unmask contradictions
As the Church is called to get involved in humanity, it means that “Christian solidarity commits us to engaging with reality and also to unmasking the contradictions that characterize personal and social life in the contemporary world,” the Pope emphasized in his catechesis.
He cited various examples of this in our current societies such as technological and scientific progress that only benefits some people; or a clearer understanding of the laws of society but uncertainty regarding their direction; or a great abundance of wealth, resources and economic power which, however, “today as in the days of the Council, leaves ‘a huge proportion of the world’s citizens … still tormented by hunger and poverty’.”
Or also lastly, “a shared awareness that the future of the planet is at stake, coupled with an inability to renounce selfish consumption and the illusion that war is an effective means of building peace.”
“In a time marked by profound changes, giving rise to worrying imbalances,” the Pope underlined, “the Church is called to serve the human person, listening to and welcoming the deepest questions of their heart and the longings that dwell within them, pointing to Christ as ‘the key, the focal point and the goal of … all human history’.”
St. Peter's Square during the General Audience (@Vatican Media)
Church one with humanity
The Pope also cited his predecessor Pope St. John XXIII who, in his opening address of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, took issue with those who believed that their time period was worse than the previous ones.
Pope John XXIII emphasized that in that era, like at every moment in history, one must “see the mysterious plans of Divine Providence, which are brought to fulfilment in due course through the work of men, and often beyond their expectations, and which, with wisdom, arrange everything, even adverse human affairs, for the good of the Church.”
Pope Leo explained that the promulgation of Gaudium et spes recognized in this discernment an essential element of the nature of the Church, which is that as Jesus Christ “by becoming incarnate, chooses to share our life,” so too He calls the Church to become involved in this same way with humanity.
“Hence, the conciliar Constitution Gaudium et spes begins by declaring that the Church makes her own ‘the joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted’,” the Pope insisted.
In this regard, he noted that the Constitution recalls the Church’s constant duty to scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in light of the Gospel and also her mission to bring forward the work of Christ, who bore witness to truth and served all.
Focusing on the poor and those most in need
The Pope noted that this is not “merely a moral imperative” and, as Pope Francis had said, “the option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one.”
“We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them,” Pope Leo said, citing his predecessor’s Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.
The Pope concluded by expressing his hope that “joy and hope – gaudium et spes – be the distinctive features of a Church who proclaims and bears witness to the Gospel, drawing close to the women and men of our time.”
Pope: 'Holy Spirit is not a treasure to keep hidden, but a light to let shine each day'
Pope Leo XIV tells recently confirmed young people at his weekly General Audience that the Holy Spirit is "a light to let shine each day," recalling that this week the Church commemorates Saints Augustine and Monica.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
“Dear young people, in Confirmation you have received the most beautiful gift, the Holy Spirit: it is not a treasure to be kept hidden, but a light that you must make shine every day.”
Pope Leo XIV offered this reminder to the confirmands from the Diocese of Chiavari, accompanied by their Bishop, during his remarks to Italian pilgrims at his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Basilica.
The Pope also greeted young people, the sick, and newlyweds.
He recalled that Thursday and Friday, the liturgical calendar commemorates two great Saints, Saint Monica and Saint Augustine, who, he observed, were united on earth by family ties" and now "in heaven, by the same destiny of glory.”
“May their example,” Pope Leo said, “inspire in each of you a sincere and passionate search for the Truth of the Gospel, so that you may bear witness to it joyfully in your daily lives.”
Pope at Audience: Active participation in liturgy leads us to relationship with God
At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the Second Vatican Council Fathers' decision to promote liturgical reform, as he focuses on the 1963 Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium.
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
During the Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Basilica on August 26, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of the liturgical reform enacted by the Second Vatican Council, which encouraged the faithful to participate more actively in the liturgy and enter into a deeper relationship with God.
“Through the Church’s ritual actions, whilst the memorial of the work of salvation is celebrated, the opportunity is provided to experience a true relationship with God, coming into contact with the salvific event,” the Pope said.
“Since the gestures and words of the sacred liturgy are critical to realizing this experience, the participation of the faithful cannot be passive,” he said.
Pope Leo continued his series of reflections on the Documents of the Second Vatican Council, and delivered his final catechesis on the 1963 Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,Sacrosanctum Concilium.
Sacrosanctum Concilium was the first text to be promulgated at the Second Vatican Council and brought about important changes to the liturgy, such as allowing it to be celebrated in vernacular languages and encouraging a more active participation of the faithful.
In his catechesis, the Pope looked at the reasons why the Council Fathers decided to promote this reform.
Pope Leo XIV during the General Audience (@Vatican Media)
Liturgical reform rooted in living tradition of the Church
Pope Leo noted that this desire for reform did not come suddenly but had been evident in actions and documents published by successive Popes since the beginning of the 20th century.
He cited for example Pope Pius XI’s 1928 Apostolic Constitution Divini Cultus, Pius XII’s choice to reschedule the times of certain Holy Week rites, or Saint John XXIII’s 1960 Motu proprioRubricarum instructum.
“The liturgical reform promoted by the Second Vatican Council is thus firmly rooted in the living tradition of the Church," the Pope said. "A correct understanding of it also enables us to reject the abuses that occurred in certain sectors of the Church during the post-Conciliar period, and which, unfortunately, still occur from time to time today, where some of the principles underlying the reform itself have been taken to extremes or misunderstood."
Responsibility of bishops and priests to safeguard the liturgy
The Pope also underlined that Sacrosanctum Concilium insists on the point that “liturgical services are not private functions, but are celebrations of the Church, which is the ‘sacrament of unity,’ namely, the holy people united and ordered under their bishops.”
Therefore, the Pope, said that it is “the primary responsibility of pastors, of bishops but also of each individual priest, to safeguard and promote a liturgy which, while respecting liturgical norms, shines with noble simplicity and thus manifests the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”
“Such a liturgy will also be a fundamental vehicle for evangelization, the instrument of grace through which, as the Council teaches, we may learn to offer ourselves and, through Christ’s mediation, be perfected in unity with God and amongst ourselves,” the Pope continued.
St. Peter's Basilica during the Wednesday General Audience (@Vatican Media)
Expression of both divine and human
To understand the reasons for the reform, Pope Leo XIV cited a letter that the then-Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini – the future Pope Paul VI – sent to the faithful of his Church in October 1962.
In it he pointed out how the liturgy “is a sincere expression of both the divine and the human,” as it is “a language," “a vehicle for divine teaching,” and a “a voice in dialogue with God.”
“The faithful ‘cannot and must no longer remain silent and passive’” as their “’their physical presence cannot be reconciled with their spiritual absence,” the future Pope had written.
Pope Leo noted that these thoughts are echoed in point 48 of Sacrosanctum Concilium, which emphasized that the Church desired that the faithful not participate in the liturgy as “strangers or silent spectators,” but rather “take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration.”
In this way, they can “be drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other, so that finally God may be all in all,” the Constitution’s text continued.
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful during the General Audience (@Vatican Media)
Living liturgy that adapts to the times
The Pope said these words showed “a renewed awareness of the value of the liturgy” and allowed it “to shine forth as 'the primary source of that divine exchange in which the life of God is communicated to us'."
From this conviction came the need to make the biblical texts and prayers more accessible and to streamline the order of the celebration, the Pope highlighted.
He explained that, since the “liturgy is a living entity throughout the centuries, it has always been subject to developments and changes,” adapting its forms to the needs of different time periods.
“It is therefore not surprising that the Second Vatican Council, too, with the utmost respect for the heritage of tradition, and precisely in order to make it more accessible, considered it necessary to revise the liturgical books,” the Pope said.
Quoting point 21 of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Pope noted that the text made a distinction between the “immutable elements divinely instituted” and the human elements which “not only may but ought to be changed with the passage of time.”
Thus, the texts and rites can be changed so that they can “express more clearly the holy things which they signify” and the faithful may be able “to understand them with ease and to take part in them fully, actively, and as befits a community.”
