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MamaJewel
Guest
How do we play into it? Is there a war? Or is it when all of creation gets judged? And if it’s a war, shouldn’t there not be fighting because of the responsibility to love one’s enemies and to turn one’s cheek?
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Divine3
Guest
I don’t know. I just took his words to mean, if you are praying on a decision or even about your vocation in life…imagine you are in front of Jesus and you have decided to do something …can you look into the eyes of Christ and see his agreement or his disagreement in what you plan to do or not do.
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MamaJewel
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Oh, ok. I have a saying, “Put it to prayer!” Meaning that it needs to be given to God first for His approval, so I guess it’s kind of similar.
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Leferdion
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The Pope’s words seem pretty straightfoward to me and they apply to every christian, every human, irrespective of circumstance. He calls us to increase our awareness of the life after death, eternal life. With that in mind, we have a compass, a navigator, in the person of Jesus who guides and informs us in every thought or action we make, so that when we die and are presented before the Just Judge God, we will not have any regrets, nor remorse, and we would not say…’’ had I known Lord when I was still alive’’
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MamaJewel
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I can get why the pope would expect a Christian to share the Good News of the gospels. It makes sense that the pope stated:
Who is like this?.. a narcissist, yes. A monster, yes.
But healthy, well-adjusted humans are not like someone represented in the pope’s questions above. I see people that care, regardless of their religious beliefs, skin color, political leanings, background, etc.
So I didn’t understand (and I still really don’t understand what it has to do with a final judgement) when we are alive, right here and now. We can’t do anything about the poor, hungry, thirsty, homeless, lonely, down-trodden, ignorant, ill, suffering, weak, aged, disabled, etc. in eternity. We won’t be doing corporal or spiritual works of mercy on earth in eternity. We have to do it in this moment, for the love of Christ and God Almighty.
Like the saying goes, “To God be the Glory, not me, but you God.” (At least that’s what I learned in formation classes and from my Baptist to Catholic convert deacon. Oh, and Carmelite priests.)
“These are questions of life, questions of resurrection," he said.
The Resurrection is now if we are people of Christ, hands down, no question about it.
The pope then asked:
The pope suggested further questions for self-reflection:
What is this^^?
Who is like this?.. a narcissist, yes. A monster, yes.
But healthy, well-adjusted humans are not like someone represented in the pope’s questions above. I see people that care, regardless of their religious beliefs, skin color, political leanings, background, etc.
So I didn’t understand (and I still really don’t understand what it has to do with a final judgement) when we are alive, right here and now. We can’t do anything about the poor, hungry, thirsty, homeless, lonely, down-trodden, ignorant, ill, suffering, weak, aged, disabled, etc. in eternity. We won’t be doing corporal or spiritual works of mercy on earth in eternity. We have to do it in this moment, for the love of Christ and God Almighty.
Like the saying goes, “To God be the Glory, not me, but you God.” (At least that’s what I learned in formation classes and from my Baptist to Catholic convert deacon. Oh, and Carmelite priests.)
“These are questions of life, questions of resurrection," he said.
The Resurrection is now if we are people of Christ, hands down, no question about it.
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Divine3
Guest
I think Jewel, the Pope is giving us a type of examination of our thoughts and actions …like an examination of conscience. Since he is a Jesuit they are into discernment big time… St. Ignatius way of prayer etc.
It’s like reflecting on a conversation you just had with someone and you ponder the things said. That’s how I see it.
It’s like reflecting on a conversation you just had with someone and you ponder the things said. That’s how I see it.
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Ammi
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Prayer without action befitting the prayer is hindered.
I’m not saying anything against your comment. Just adding to it.
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MamaJewel
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Totally agree.
In the words attributed to St. Augustine, “Pray like everything depends on God; work like everything depends on you.”
Oh, that makes perfect sense. Thank you for sharing this perspective.
I think I am more influenced by the contemplative prayer approach of the Carmelites, so the Jesuit style seems a bit legalistic to me.
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