CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SHEPHERD
As
I write this reflection, we have had a new pope for about a month. In
that short span of time, Pope Francis has surprised us with his ability
and willingness to engage all who are willing to engage with him. Herein
lies what I think will be one of the lasting legacies of his papacy. He
will be remembered for his ability and willingness to listen and then
to act pastorally on what he has heard. His theology is similar to that
of Benedict XVI; however, his pastoral manner is much simpler and
perhaps more empathetic, both visually and in practice. Each man has his
gifts and this is the gift that Francis brings to his leadership of the
Church.
The agenda of Vatican II was to call the Church back to its roots so
that it can better engage with the world in a dialogue and, thus, enable
it to bear witness to the Gospel truths and call forth the gift of
conversion among the People of God. Pope Francis seems to be shepherding
the Church in this very direction as he calls for consistency between
both the faith as we understand it and the faith as we live and express
it. Traditionally speaking, his call is for both the fides qua (the
personal act of faith, the faith with which I or we believe) and fides
quae (the doctrinal content that I or we believe) to be in lockstep with
one
another.
This is critical both from a leadership point of view and from the
standpoint of effective evangelization. Pope Francis is demonstrating a
return to the idea that faith is all about the relationships that it
nourishes and not just about doctrinal practice or purity. Yes, the
latter is important, essential even, but without the lived experience
and witness, it is all words and will be ineffective in convincing
people that the doctrines of the Church actually reflect the truth as
God wants us to live it.
Let us all join with Pope Francis in strengthening the relationships we
have so that we will be more secure in our faith and be more effective
in witnessing to it. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: How strong is your faith relationship with God the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit? Are there things that you can do to strengthen
these relationships?
Holy
Spirit, lead me to deepen my relationship with the Trinity. I want to
draw the fullness of life that You offer me through the gift of Your
grace.
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