What profound insights from Pope Benedict XVI!

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

What profound insights, Pope Benedict XVI gives in his encyclical “Caritas in veritate”! How important it is for us as individuals and as a Church, members of the Body of Christ, to “see” ourselves and one another as God sees us! No wonder Jesus has told us, this is His Commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you!”

1. The theme of development can be identified with the inclusion-in-relation of all individuals and peoples within the one community of the human family, built in solidarity on the basis of the fundamental values of justice and peace. This perspective is illuminated in a striking way by the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity within the one divine Substance. The Trinity is absolute unity insofar as the three divine Persons are pure relationality. The reciprocal transparency among the divine Persons is total and the bond between each of them complete, since they constitute a unique and absolute unity. God desires to incorporate us into this reality of communion as well: “that they may be one even as we are one” (Jn 17:22). The Church is a sign and instrument of this unity[131]. Relationships between human beings throughout history cannot but be enriched by reference to this divine model. In particular, in the light of the revealed mystery of the Trinity, we understand that true openness does not mean loss of individual identity but profound interpenetration. This also emerges from the common human experiences of love and truth. Just as the sacramental love of spouses unites them spiritually in “one flesh” (Gen 2:24; Mt 19:5; Eph 5:31) and makes out of the two a real and relational unity, so in an analogous way truth unites spirits and causes them to think in unison, attracting them as a unity to itself.

Yesterday, the President of the United States spoke at the UN, and today is the Feast of the first Korean priest, pastor and martyr, Andrew Kim Taegon and of Paul Chong Hasang and companions martyrs – significant occasions of grace for us to ponder. God is at work – He is always working and able to bring all things He permits unto good (cf Rom 8:28).

Mary, Mother of the Church, Queen of Peace, and Praise of the Trinity, pray for us.
Jesus, we trust in You!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit!

 

[pnewton]

I first though this was a question you were asking and Caritas in Veritate was going to be my answer, specifically what you mentioned.

I would also add that I appreciate his compassion and understanding in opening making the extraordinary form of the Mass more accessible.

 

[patricius79]

Thanks for the thread, MariaChristi. I think that just as the Trinity is Three Divine Persons in one Divine Nature, so we humans are very man persons in one human nature. We are all members of the same family, with the same Father, the same Lord, the same Helper, and the same Blessed Mother. We are all spiritually within God and within each other. Everything we are and do affects everyone else. If we stay close to Jesus through Mary, it helps everyone to heal and find God.

 

[MariaChristi]

Thanks for your reply, pnewton,

Yes, I meant it as an exclamation not as a question. I am continually impressed and needed to exclaim at the beauty of God’s work in Pope Benedict’s writing. Each time I have read anything he wrote I’ve been so blessed.

 

[BenedicamDominum]

I think that just as the Trinity is Three Divine Persons in one Divine Nature, so we humans are very man persons in one human nature.

Just to clarify something, of course the Trinity is three divine persons who all share one divine nature and exist as one divine being.

So humans are quite different, in that we are many beings who are many different persons but yet share one human nature.

Forgive me, but these distinctions are important, and a more precise definition of the Trinity is likewise important lest certain readers become misinformed or confused with this difficult subject.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear brother Pat,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the words of Jesus’ prayer in Chapter 17 of John’s Gospel is a prayer we need to ponder – asking the Holy Spirit to give us true understanding and enable us to live the Truth we hear.

Jesus prayed to His Father, the night before He died:

“that they may be one even as we are one” (Jn 17:22)

Pope Benedict XVI presents those words to us anew in his encyclical and opens us up to the tremendous Love of God for us. This encyclical continues to be a blessing for me and an encouragement to continue opening my heart and mind and soul and strength to all God wants to do in us and through us as His Body the Church.

Come Holy Spirit, kindle in us the Fire of Your Love.
Mary, Mother and Model of the Church, pray for us.
Jesus we trust in You!