Family Saves the World –Teaching of Pope Francis
Pope Francis amazed the faithful and disturbed many commentators. He makes the believers happy with his gentleness and Fatherly love, dismayes the observers. Perhaps no successor of Saint Peter in the history of the church has beenso much attacked by the media, and his statements so much distorted and manipulated. This is for a number of reasons. Some saw him as a revolutionary who would allegedly turn the teaching of the church upside down, mainly in matters of human sexuality and bioethics.
However, this did not happen. Francis continues the teaching of his holy predecessors - Paul VI - contained in the encyclical "Humane vitae" and John Paul II, contained in the Apostolic Exhortation "Familiaris Consortio". It confirmed the traditional and unchanging teaching about marriage.
Nevertheless, Francis opened the gate of Christ's Mercy to those who have an irregularfamily life and encourages them to be reconciled with God. At the same time, he calls the people not to judge their neighbors, but to recognize their own sinfulness in the truth. This is the essence of the teaching of Jesus Christ.
He explains this in an interview with the Vaticanist Andrea Tornielli. “God is waiting for us, waiting for us to show him at least this tiny gap so that he can act in us with his forgiveness, with his grace. Only those who have been touched, embraced by the tenderness of his mercy, really know the Lord. That is why I often repeat that the space in which I encounter the mercy of Jesus is my sin "(Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy)
Pope Francis in the years 2014-2015 delivered a whole series of catechesis devoted to married life and the family. Each catechesis focuses on a specific text of Sacred Scripture. God's Word gives light to a specific problem. In this way, we invite Christ to our families, so that he can heal them through his preaching. Papal catechesis are unique because they are simple and easy to read. Francis perfectly translates relationships creating a family, the role of each of its members, the vocation to marriage, being a woman or a man, father or mother, and guides us through many contemporary problems with which we all undoubtedly grapple. Every father and mother, every human being, not only a Catholic, should turn to this catechesis of Pope Francis. The Catholic Church is the only source, the only rock that stands guard over tradition in the face of this apocalyptic struggle for the future. Let us stand firmly with the Lord because the Family will save the world.
Pope Francis' catechesis on the family is a text that is read in one breath. They contain the sweetness that the family possesses. They are saturated with the oxygen of the Christian vision of man, human love, tenderness and honesty possible only in the framework of marriage and family relationships. This is indeed Pope Francis' Good News for the modern world, in which the family is crushed by the ideologies or thoughtlessness of those who trust themselves more than God. A faithful marriage, as well as a family open to life, are the remedy given by the Church to the sick and lost inhabitants of the post-modern kingdom of freedom and makeshift.
They need to see a sign from God again. Francis' catechesis capture with accuracy in distinguishing and describing family reality in terms of its wealth and threats. In addition, the Pope does it with simplicity, which is a specific charism of this man. Anyway, as if unexpectedly, the family theme became the leading idea of his pontificate.
We all know well - he said during a meeting with the engaged couples in Saint Peter's Square in Rome on February 14, 2014 - that there are no perfect families, just as there are no perfect husbands or perfect wives. Not to mention the perfect mother-in-law. On the other hand, there are sinners who are still in need of forgiveness. The famous statement by Francis about the permissibility of flying plates at home, if only the end of the day will finish with a gesture of reconciliation, has already become legendary. There is no need to summon the United Nations in these situations. A tender hug will close the case. The secret of the family lies in what it would seem to be inconspicuous in gestures.
On April 2, 2014, the Pope, ending the series of conferences on Sacraments, spoke about marriage that brings us into the very heart of God's intention, which is to make a covenant with his people, with all of us. It is about the intention of communion. There is no doubt that the most accurate image of this plan of God is the married couple of a man and a woman. We were created for love as a Reflection of God and His love, in the love of two people. Moreover, conjugal love is the most accurate representation of what connects Christ with his church. The Church is his Bride wedded on the cross. Faithfulness, perseverance and fertility - these are the most important qualities of Jesus' love for us.
Perseverance - married life must be permanent. Otherwise, love cannot develop. Perseverance in love, in beautiful and difficult moments, when problems arise, problems with children, material problems, one way or the other. Persistent: Man and woman each morning needs to take care of their families. The devil is undoubtedly with those who fight the qualities of perseverance in humans. Francis spoke about it bluntly during the meeting with the Renewal in the Holy Spirit at the Olympic stadium in Rome on June 1, 2014. The family is a domestic church; therefore, the Demon does not want it, tries to destroy it, wants love to disappear. Inside the family, man learns brotherhood. The family can "Infect the world" with it, saving the world from the madness of war. In the family, life is passed on, and with-it basic values, such as concrete solidarity, the ability to work hard for others, patience, hope and an idea for the future.
On the day of the inauguration of his pontificate on March 19, 2013, the Pope referred to the figure of Saint Joseph, the discreet and tender guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus, addressing the spouses: “take care of each other, as parents, take care of your children, as at some point your children will have to take care of you”. He wrote in his letter to the family on February 2, 2014: “As Family, You share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, work, home games, prayers, journeys, pilgrimages, expressions of solidarity. However, if love is lacking, joy will also disappear. Jesus gives us true love.”
Until Tomorrow
fr. george