Kitchen Catechism: Eye on The Pope

In today’s world of consumerism and values that rob one of hope, we print the following words excerpted from a recent angelus message delivered by Pope Benedict XVI to the crowds who gathered in the courtyard of the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo.

On the Logic of Love

"Use Things Unselfishly Without Thirsting
for Possession or Dominion"

“In the Gospel Jesus teaches the disciples the value of the person in God's eyes and the futility of mundane worries. This does not mean doing nothing. Indeed, on hearing Jesus' reassuring invitation: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Lk 12: 32), hearts open up to a hope which illumines and animates real life. We have the certainty that "the Gospel is not merely a communication of things that can be known it is one that makes things happen and is life-changing. The dark door of time, of the future, is thrown open. Whoever has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life" (cf. Encyclical Spe Salvi, n. 2).

In a passage from a Letter to the Hebrews, Abraham with a trusting heart entered into the hope that God opened to him, the promise of a land and of "numerous descendants", and left "not knowing where he was to go", trusting only in God (cf. 11: 8-12).

And Jesus illustrates through three parables how waiting for the fulfillment of the "blessed hope", his Coming, should urge us more and more toward a profound life, rich in good works: "Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys" (Lk 12: 33). It is an invitation to use things unselfishly without thirsting for possession or dominion, but according to the logic of God, the logic of consideration for others, the logic of love.”

The Pope went on to say “.......by God's goodness much has been given to us, and much will be required of us. Let us thank the Lord for the many blessings we have received and draw ever closer to him in prayer, in fidelity to his commandment of love, and in communion with his Body, the Church.”

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"Nothing should
frighten or grieve you.
Let not your heart be troubled. Am I, your Mother,
not here with you?"

"Nothing should
frighten or grieve you.
Let not your heart be troubled. Am I, your Mother,
not here with you?"

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