It’s not just the curia who could be looking at Pope Francis’s blistering message. It occurred to me that many of the ailments describe the sicknesses of pastoral ministry. I was struck by the second one as personally applicable, that immersion in work:
The second is “’Martha-ism’, or excessive industriousness; the sickness of those who immerse themselves in work, inevitably neglecting ‘the better part’ of sitting at Jesus’ feet. Therefore, Jesus required his disciples to rest a little, as neglecting the necessary rest leads to stress and agitation. Rest, once one who has brought his or her mission to a close, is a necessary duty and must be taken seriously: in spending a little time with relatives and respecting the holidays as a time for spiritual and physical replenishment, it is necessary to learn the teaching of Ecclesiastes, that ‘there is a time for everything’”.
Poor Martha.
He says things one might expect about spending time at the feet of the Lord. But just get some rest for its own sake: I know I need to be reminded of that.
Being able to replenish our bodies and spirits: it’s just how human beings are made. Taking care is not a luxury, but a “duty.” If we consider a full expression of stewardship, that our bodies are not our own, but temples of the Lord, perhaps that makes sense.
I have been reading about Pope Francis’ “blistering message”; I don’t know, from the text it doesn’t really seem that bad. Kind of like a communal examination of conscience before a penance service, tailored to a particular audience.
Good point about rest as stewardship; reminds me of the invitatory antiphon, “Let us listen to the voice of the Lord, let us enter into his rest.”