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
