Category Archives: Evangelii Gaudium

With section 288, Pope Francis wraps up Evangelii Gaudium. The infancy narratives of Luke’s Gospel lead into a final prayer. Rather than comment on this, let’s just read and reflect today: 288. There is a Marian “style” to the Church’s work … Continue reading →

When Pope Francis speaks of the “star of the new evangelization,” I would imagine we are not talking celebrity, but guiding light. We are not talking just a religious figure of history, but one who makes intercession for us with … Continue reading →

Mary as missionary? How so? The biblical witness: 286. Mary was able to turn a stable into a home for Jesus, with poor swaddling clothes and an abundance of love. She is the handmaid of the Father who sings his … Continue reading →

In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis writes of Mary as “Jesus’ gift to his people.” We go to the foot of the Cross to receive that gift: 285. On the cross, when Jesus endured in his own flesh the dramatic encounter … Continue reading →

The Holy Father offers a final theme in Evangelii Gaudium, “Mary, Mother of Evangelization.” This section and the following four will bring us to a conclusion. What is Pope Francis’ idea here? Drawing traditional Marian-minded Catholics into the evangelization orbit? Expressing the … Continue reading →

There are many types of prayer. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, mentions intercessory prayer, a form with which worshipers are quite familiar. So where and how does “missionary power” enter into the equation? This matter is treated in three short sections, … Continue reading →

Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, urges us to appeal to the Holy Spirit. “Constantly” is his advice to us. 280. Keeping our missionary fervor alive calls for firm trust in the Holy Spirit, for it is he who “helps us in … Continue reading →

Trust is a necessary quality for a Spirit-filled disciple. We open ourselves to a group of related principles: God is in charge; God desires good for each of us; God deserves our trust: 279. Because we do not always see … Continue reading →

As we approach the end of Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis encourages believers to have faith. Such faith translates into a missionary attitude about the reign of God: 278. Faith also means believing in God, believing that he truly loves us, … Continue reading →

Pope Francis,in Evangelii Gaudium, acknowledges that workers can be discouraged and even get dismayed as new problems surface to thwart the Gospel of Jesus. Watchfulness is needed: do we pause longer than needful because of circumstances beyond our control? 277. … Continue reading →

Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, offers a reflection on the Resurrection and how it contrasts with a world which, at times, seems dead: 276. Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated … Continue reading →

Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, looks at the third topic (EG 275-280) within his fifth and final chapter on Spirit-filled evangelizers, “The mysterious working of the risen Christ and his Spirit.” He strongly condemns the pessimism of our age as a denial … Continue reading →

Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, suggests we have much to look to when we look outside of ourselves, noticing God’s hand in all persons: 274. If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also … Continue reading →

Pope Francis offers a personal testimony here: 273. My mission of being in the heart of the people is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off; it is not an “extra” or just … Continue reading →

To whom can we turn to give witness to the power of love? Not Huey Lewis, but Saint John and Pope Benedict XVI: 272. Loving others is a spiritual force drawing us to union with God; indeed, one who does … Continue reading →