Do we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so as to be an active part of our communities, or do we close in on ourselves, saying 'I have so many things to do, that's not my job'?
Interpretation
The quote urges individuals to engage with their communities and not to retreat into self-centeredness.
Pope Francis challenges us to examine our willingness to be open to the influences and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which calls us to actively participate in our communities. He contrasts this openness with a common tendency to withdraw from communal responsibilities by focusing on our personal agendas, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from serving others rather than isolating ourselves.
In practice
In a speech about community service, I would use this quote to emphasize the importance of collective involvement.
We are a church of sinners but we must not be afraid of holiness. Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way that is with love, joy and faith.
I join the March for Life in Washington with my prayers. May God help us respect all life, especially the most vulnerable.
No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles. While it is quite true that the essential vocation and mission of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities and all human activity may be transformed by the Gospel, none of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice
We face so many challenges in life: poverty, distress, humiliation, the struggle for justice, persecutions, the difficulty of daily conversion, the effort to remain faithful to our call to holiness, and many others. But if we open the door to Jesus and allow him to be part of our lives, if we share our joys and sorrows with him, then we will experience the peace and joy that only God, who is infinite love, can give.
More and more people work on Sundays as a consequence of the competitiveness imposed by a consumer society.
This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the centre of our lives.
Cares that have entered once in the breast, will have whole possession of the rest.
For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
An age that melts in unperceiv'd decay, And glides in modest innocence away.
When you look at a corporation, just like when you look at a slave owner, you want to distinguish between the institution and the individual. So slavery, for example, or other forms of tyranny, are inherently monstrous. The individuals participating in them may be the nicest guys you can imagine.
Snow reminds Ka of God! But I’m not sure it would be accurate. What brings me close to God is the silence of snow.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend.
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