The world according to Pope Francis

The Christian world has now become familiar with many of the teachings of Pope Francis. His call for just wages, condemnation of the idolatry of money, human trafficking  and the failure of capitalism in realizing the vision of a just society have become widely discussed topics. He has said that the two great issues which are fundamental at this time in history are the inclusion of the poor in society and peace and social dialogue. He believes that these will shape the future of humanity.

  He has also spoken on other subjects that are actually just as relevant and as interesting. Here are some of those messages.

On Christian-Muslim relationships

In his Apostolic Exhortations, in Paragraphs 252 and 253 here is what Pope Francis said:

“ Our relationships with the followers of Islam has taken on great importance, since they are now significantly present in many traditionally Christian countries where they can freely worship and become fully a part of society.”

In his message on Islam, Pope Francis points out that there are areas of belief which Christians and Muslim share. He points out:

“We must never forget that they  ‘profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, who will judge humanity on the last day.’ The sacred writings of Islam have retained some Christian teachings; Jesus and Mary receive profound veneration, and it is admirable to see how Muslims both young and old, men and women, make time for daily prayer and faithfully take part in religious services. Many of them also have deep conviction that their life, in its entirety, is from God and for God. They also acknowledge the need to respond to God with an ethical commitment and with mercy towards the most in need.”

The ideal politician

Pope Francis has described the ideal politician. This should provide each citizen with a profile that can be used to determine which of our politicians deserve our support. This is his description:

“I ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest roots — and not simply the appearances — of the evils in our world! Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good. We need to be convinced that charity ‘is the principle not only of micro-relationships ( with friends, with family members or within small groups ) but also of macro-relationships ( social, economic and political ones).’ I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor! it is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare. Why not turn to God and ask him their plans? I am firmly convinced that openness to the transcendent can bring about a new political and economic mindset which would help to break down the wall of separation between the economy and the common good of society.”

On migrants

There are Filipino migrants and overseas workers all over the world. The message of Pope Francis on migrants is, therefore, of special interest in this country. Here is his message:

It is essential to draw near to new forms of poverty and vulnerability, in which we are called to recognize the suffering Christ, even if this appears to us to no tangible and immediate benefits. I think of the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned, and many others.

Migrants present a particular challenge for me, since I am the pastor of a Church without frontiers, a Church which considers herself mother to all. For this reason, I exhort all countries to a generous openness which, rather than fearing the loss of local identity will prove capable of creating new forms of cultural synthesis. How beautiful are those cities which overcome paralyzing mistrust, integrate those who are different and make this very integration a new factor of development! How attractive are those cities which, even in their architectural design, are full of spaces which connect, relate and favor the recognition of others!”

On giving good sermons

For churchgoers who have to suffer through a boring sermon, Pope Francis says that it is the fault of the priest if his parishioners do not listen. He has advice on how to preach a sermon. Here is his message that I pray all priests will read and heed:

“ Some people thik they can be good preachers because they know what ought to be said, but they pay no attention to how it should be said, that is the concrete way of constructing a sermon. They complain when people do not listen to or appreciate them,but perhaps they have never taken the trouble to find the proper way of presenting their message. Let us remember that ‘the obvious importance of the content of evangelization must not overshadow the importance of its ways and means.’

Concern for the way we preach is likewise a profoundly spiritual concern. It entails responding to the love of God by putting all our talents and creativity at the service of the mission which he has given us; at the same time, it shows a fine, active love of neighbor by refusing to offer others a product of poor quality. In the Bible, for example, we can find advice on how to prepare a homily so as to reach people: “Speak concisely, say much in few words.’

Simply using a few examples, let us recall some practical resources which can enrich our preaching and make it more attractive. One of the most important thing is to learn how to use images in preaching, how to appeal to imagery. Sometimes examples are used to clarify a certain point but these examples usually appeal only to the mind; images, on the other hand, help people better to appreciate and accept the message we wish to communicate. An attractive image makes the message seem familiar, close to home, practical and related to everyday life.

A successful image can make people savor the message, awaken the desire and move the will towards the Gospel. A good homily, an old teacher once told me, should have “an idea, a sentiment, an image.”

Pope Francis describes the present world with frankness and imagery that makes his 288 -paragraph Apostolic Exhortations a fascinating document that is also a must reading for anyone interested in the struggle for an ideal world.

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Write Things is happy to announce its additional offerings in 2015.  In response to requests, we are starting classes for adults on nonfiction/memoir writing on Jan. 31, Feb. 22,  March 14 at Fully Booked BGC.  The four-hour sessions will allow the participants to draw from their personal histories to write the stories of their lives. Actual writing and critiquing will be emphasized over mere lectures.  Facilitators are published writers Susan Quimpo, Babeth Lolarga and Mariel Francisco.

Jan. 31 (Saturday/1-5 p.m.) Memoir Writing: A Path to Clarity with Susan Quimpo (co-author and co-editor of Subversive Lives, a family memoir of the Marcos years; a writer, trained counsellor and art therapist).

Feb. 22 (Sunday/1-5 p.m.)  Finding Your Voice, Leaving a Legacy with Babeth Lolarga (Baguio-based poet, writer, journalist and visual artist).

March 14 (Saturday/1-5 p.m.) Owning Your Life Story with Mariel Francisco (co-author of The History of the Burgis and A Spirituality Pillow Book).

For more details and registration, contact 0917-6240196/[email protected]

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Email: [email protected]