In latest interview, Pope Francis reveals top 10 secrets to happiness

[lynnvinc]

I agree. Folks want a Pope who says what they think he should say.

We, as Catholics, are to love and respect- and learn from this Pope- and ANY Pope- be they a pontificating stern type, or a looser gentle type.

We can’t and shouldn’t make the Pope in our image of what a good Pope would look like or act like. He, ANY POPE, is acting- even when not making formal proclamations- under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

And I have a feeling that God would look askance to those who would disparage the Roman Pontiff.

I think many Catholics are a bit disturbed by Pope Francis because in his gentle, loving, smiling way he and his actions (that speak louder and more strictly than a mean old pope shaking a stick at us) have told us to love our neighbors (others, gays, abortion women, the poor, criminals, delinquents, enemies, etc). And that, my friends, is the very hardest thing to do. I have problems doing it, esp when they are so #$&%*# difficult and sinful and rotten ('cuse my French). Anger, frustration, dislike, and the beginnings of hate arise so much more easily than any thoughts of love – esp re those that are closest to me.

It is interesting that in my Carmelite group we were talking about penance and how Carmelites are not to take on any (extraordinary) penances, but just be good in daily life and graciously endure with equanimity and love whatever penances God allows to come to us, offering it up to God – like a thorn in the foot. One member said, “Our neighbors are our hairshirts.”

I find nothing in Pope Francis’s 10 suggestions that are not deeply spiritual and religious. If one cannot sanctify secular life by following those types of Christ-like suggestions, then what is the use of religion?

But that might be my Protestant upbringing. We didn’t have a lot of “rituals” as Catholics do, and one of the Protestants’ complaints about Catholics (you may not hear this, bec people are trying to be polite) is that Catholics are “ritualistic” (meaning “fake religious”).

Well, that complaint didn’t bother me one iota. I converted with joy, called to be a Catholic, and later called to Carmel.

 

[alexandratm]

I think many Catholics are a bit disturbed by Pope Francis because in his gentle, loving, smiling way he and his actions (that speak louder and more strictly than a mean old pope shaking a stick at us) have told us to love our neighbors (others, gays, abortion women, the poor, criminals, delinquents, enemies, etc). And that, my friends, is the very hardest thing to do. I have problems doing it, esp when they are so #$&%*# difficult and sinful and rotten ('cuse my French). Anger, frustration, dislike, and the beginnings of hate arise so much more easily than any thoughts of love – esp re those that are closest to me.

It is interesting that in my Carmelite group we were talking about penance and how Carmelites are not to take on any (extraordinary) penances, but just be good in daily life and graciously endure with equanimity and love whatever penances God allows to come to us, offering it up to God – like a thorn in the foot. One member said, “Our neighbors are our hairshirts.”

I find nothing in Pope Francis’s 10 suggestions that are not deeply spiritual and religious. If one cannot sanctify secular life by following those types of Christ-like suggestions, then what is the use of religion?

But that might be my Protestant upbringing. We didn’t have a lot of “rituals” as Catholics do, and one of the Protestants’ complaints about Catholics (you may not hear this, bec people are trying to be polite) is that Catholics are “ritualistic” (meaning “fake religious”).

Well, that complaint didn’t bother me one iota. I converted with joy, called to be a Catholic, and later called to Carmel.

Yes, so much this. I’ve been looking more into St. Therese of Lisieux’s writings and oh, the stuff she says about loving your neighbor is so. darn. hard. I really admire the Pope for embodying a lot of this.

 

[MtnDwellar]

I find nothing in Pope Francis’s 10 suggestions that are not deeply spiritual and religious. If one cannot sanctify secular life by following those types of Christ-like suggestions, then what is the use of religion?.

Really? Is this another interesting idea that popped into your head?

Not a single one of his suggestions will sanctify secular life.
Secular life, by definition, cannot be sanctified.

Faith is necessary for sanctification.

 

[ringil]

Really? Is this another interesting idea that popped into your head?

Not a single one of his suggestions will sanctify secular life.
Secular life, by definition, cannot be sanctified.

Faith is necessary for sanctification.

You seek to correct the Holy Father.

That is base and uncalled for. It is not your place.

 

[graciew]

Really? Is this another interesting idea that popped into your head?

Not a single one of his suggestions will sanctify secular life.
Secular life, by definition, cannot be sanctified.

Faith is necessary for sanctification.

Maybe I do not.understand but he / she may be referring to secular life as different from.religious life and I am thinking of Jose Maria Escriva.
Feel free to correct me , please.

 

[MtnDwellar]

You seek to correct the Holy Father.

That is base and uncalled for. It is not your place.

I didn’t make any corrections to the Holy Father. He was not the one claiming that following his secrets will sanctify secular lives.

I would never make any base or uncalled for corrections to the Pope, nor, will I wrongly criticize CAF members.

 

[MtnDwellar]

Maybe I do not.understand but he / she may be referring to secular life as different from.religious life and I am thinking of Jose Maria Escriva.
Feel free to correct me , please.

Saint Escriva started a lay order, not a secular order.

Secular means non-religious:

sec·u·lar
/ˈsekyələr/
adjective
adjective: secular

1. denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.