The Jesuits have a vow to obey the pope, but if the pope is a Jesuit, maybe he should have a vow to obey the superior general... I feel like I'm still a Jesuit in terms of my spirituality, what I have in my heart.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on authority, loyalty, and spirituality within the context of the Jesuit order.
Pope Francis's quote explores the complexities of obedience and authority within the Jesuit community, highlighting the layers of leadership and the individual’s spiritual journey. He suggests that loyalty should not just be one-way; even the highest authority may be subject to those beneath him in certain contexts, especially when it comes to the deep, personal connection he feels to his faith and Jesuit identity.
In practice
This quote can be used in discussions about leadership roles and spiritual authority in religious settings.
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.
What we make of people, and what we see in the mirror when we look at ourselves, depends on what we know of the world, what we believe to be possible, what memories we have, and whether our loyalties are to the past, the present or the future.
The best way to make every one poor is to insist on equality of wealth.
Therefore, a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by so doing it would be against his interest, and when the reasons which made him bind himself no longer exist. If men were all good, this precept would not be a good one; but as they are bad, and would not observe their faith with you, so you are not bound to keep faith with them.
World views are social constructions and they channel the search for facts. But facts are found and knowledge progresses, however fitfully.
The history of empires is the record of human misery; the history of the sciences is that of the greatness and happiness of mankind.
In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
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