Top Five Takeaways from ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’ by Fr. James Martin, S.J.
“Rejoice and be glad!” is what Jesus said on the Sermon on the Mount. It’s also the title of Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation on holiness in everyday life. Why should we “rejoice and be glad”? Because God, as Francis reminds us, calls us all to be saints. But how can we respond to that call?
Well, here are five takeaways from Francis’ new and very practical exhortation.
1. Holiness means being yourself
Pope Francis offers us many examples of holy lives throughout this document: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the French Carmelite who found holiness in doing small tasks; St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuit founder who sought to find God in all things; St. Philip Neri, the founder of the Oratorians who was renowned for his sense of humor.
The saints pray for us and give us examples of how to live, but we are not meant to be cookie-cutter versions of them. We are meant to be ourselves, and each believer is meant to “discern his or her our own path” and “bring out the very best of themselves.” As Thomas Merton said,“For me to be a saint means to be myself.”
2. Everyday life can lead to holiness
You do not need to be a bishop, a priest or a member of a religious order to be holy. Everyone is called to be a saint, as the Second Vatican Council reminded us—a mother or a father, a student or an attorney, a teacher or a janitor. “Saints next door,” Francis calls them. All we need to do is to “live our lives in love” and “bear witness” to God in all we do.
That also doesn’t have to mean big, dramatic actions. Francis offers examples of everyday sanctity, like a loving parent raising a child; as well as “small gestures” and sacrifices that one can make, like deciding not to pass on gossip. If you can see your own life as a “mission,” then you soon realize that you can simply be loving and kind to move towards holiness.
You also do not have to be “swooning in mystic rapture” to be a saint or walking around with “lowered eyes.” Nor do you have to withdraw from other people. On the other hand, you do not want to be caught up in the “rat race” of rushing from one thing to another. A balance between action and contemplation is essential.
3. Two tendencies to avoid: Gnosticism and Pelagianism
Pope Francis may send people racing to either dictionaries or their theology textbooks when he asks us to avoid two dangers in the spiritual life.
The first is Gnosticism, from the Greek word gnosis, to know. Gnosticism is the old heresy that says that what matters most is what you know. No need to be charitable or do good works. All you need is the correct intellectual approach. Today, Gnosticism tempts people to think that they can make the faith “entirely comprehensible” and leads them to want to force others to adopt their way of thinking. “When somebody has an answer for every question,” says Francis, “it’s a sign that they are not on the right path.” In other words, being a know-it-all is not going to save you.
The second thing to avoid is Pelagianism, named for Pelagius, the fifth-century theologian associated with this idea. Pelagianism says that we can take care of our salvation through our own efforts. Pelagians trust in their own powers, don’t feel like they need God’s grace and act superior to others because they observe certain rules.
Today’s Pelagians often have, the pope says, “an obsession with the law, an absorption with social and political advantages, punctilious concern for the church’s liturgy, doctrine and prestige.” It’s a real danger to holiness because it robs us of humility, sets us over others, and leaves little room for grace.
4. Be kind
“Gaudete et Exsultate” is filled with Pope Francis’trademark practical advice for living a life of holiness. For example, don’t gossip, stop judging and, most important, stop being cruel.
That goes for online actions, too. Francis’ comments on this topic are memorable. Online, he writes, “defamation and slander can become commonplace… since things can be said there that would be unacceptable in public discourse, as people look to compensate for their own discontent by lashing out at others… In claiming to uphold other commandments, they completely ignore the eighth, which forbids bearing false witness or lying and ruthlessly vilifying others.”
To be holy, be kind.
5. The Beatitudes are a roadmap for holiness
As you might guess from the document’s title, the Beatitudes, Jesus’ list of “blessed ares,” are central to this exhortation. The Beatitudes are not only what Jesus means by holiness, they are also a portrait of our Lord himself. So we’re called to be poor in spirit, meek, peacemakers, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and so on.
But let me focus on one beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful.” Pope Francis says mercy, one of the central themes of his papacy, has two aspects: helping and serving others but also forgiving and understanding. Jesus does not say, “Blessed are those who plot revenge!”
And what is Pope Francis’ overall summary of holiness? It’s based on the Beatitudes: “Seeing and acting with mercy.”
This article first appeared April 9, 2018 on the America magazine website, americamagazine.org.
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Here is the full text of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation
“Gaudete et Exsultate.”
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Immigration Assistance
The Migrant Center at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi provides assistance to all immigrants regardless of status.
If anyone needs assistance or has concerns about immigration matters, please contact the Migrant Center at the Church at 212-736-8500, Ext. 305/377 or email migrantcenter@stfrancisnyc.org.
Asistencia de Inmigración
El Centro de Migrantes en la Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís ofrece asistencia a todos los inmigrantes sin importar su estatus. Si alguien necesita ayuda o tiene preocupaciones sobreasuntos de inmigración, por favor comuníquese con el Centropara Migrantes en la Iglesia al 212-736-8500, Ext. 305/377 o envíe un correo electrónico a migrantcenter@stfrancisnyc.org.
Aide aux Immigrants
Le Centre des Migrants à l’Eglise de Saint-François d’Assise aide tous les immigrants sans égard pour leur statut légal. Si quelqu’un a besoin de l’aide ou est inquiet des matières de l’immigration, entrez en contact, s.v.p., avec le Centre des Migrants à l’Eglise de Saint-François d’Assise à 212-736-8500, poste 305/377 ou envoyez-nous un e-mail à migrantcenter@stfrancisnyc.org.
Statement of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, New York City in support of immigrants.
The mission statement of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi reads:
“We witness to our faith by ministering to everyone,
especially those who are poor, alienated or oppressed.”
We, the Friars and Staff of St. Francis Church, stand firm in fulfilling this mission especially for immigrants at this time of confusion and tension. Our mission comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Franciscan heritage and in union with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops who “believe in assisting all those who are vulnerable and fleeing persecution, regardless of their religion…welcoming newcomers and refugees is an act of love and hope.”
We have felt the anguish and pain of so many people. We stand in solidarity with them in our attempt to offer hope and whatever assistance we can offer. Our whole community stands ready to fulfill this mission, and our Migrant Center offers ongoing support to those who are in need of assistance with migrant issues. If there is anyone in need of assistance or has concerns about immigration matters, please contact our Migrant Center at the Church at 212-736-8500.
The Pastor’s Corner: April 15, 2018
On this Third Sunday of Easter two of the disciples encounter Jesus whose greeting to them is “Peace be with you.” They are still trying to grasp all that has happened to him and the fact that he keeps appearing to them. He says to them, “Why are you troubled? … Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” They are still overcome with fear that the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers will come after them and do to them what they did to Jesus. Jesus spends time with them, helping them understand that what the Scriptures had foretold has indeed taken place through him. He says “You are witnesses of these things.” This word “witness” is important for us because we too are “witnesses” of Jesus.
Monday, April 16, is the date in 1209 that Pope Innocent III approved the First Rule of Life for St. Francis. This is regarded as the date for the founding of the Franciscan Movement. We, Friars, generally renew our vows on that day.
This week I will be celebrating Mass for the Sisters of Divine Providence at Jeanne d’Arc Residence a few blocks away from here as they celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the founding of this residence for young women. When you think of all the women that they have served for these 120 years, we certainly can offer them a whole hearted “Congratulations” and a big “Thank you.”
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
Easter Flower Donations
During the Easter season, the sanctuary is filled with plants and flowers
to celebrate the glory of Christ’s resurrection.
We are grateful to those who have donated towards the cost of these decorations.
In Memory of:
Carlina Apolinaris Acevedo
Joseph Adrien
James Edward Ahearn
Vilma Arthur
Francisco Castro Astacio
Gloria & Jess Aponte
Ursula Beckles
Willis E. Bishop
Rachel Briggs
Thomas Brown
Brown Family
Roberto-Maria & Dolores Camacho
Anthony Cho
Eugene Clare, Sr.
Orlo R. Clark
Roland Hayes Clark
Michael & Mary Cosie
Rosa Delgado
Amelia Diaz Manaog
Felice & Maria DiPaolo
Frank & Giovannina DiPaolo
Nunziata DiPaolo
Frank DiRago
Thomas & Theresa Dolan
Mary & James Dunleavy
Anna & Michael Dunleavy, Sr.
Dunleavy, Wildes & Brown Families
Margarita & Dima Fernandez
Andrea Figueroa
Jerry Floyd
E. Friend
Thomas Aquinas Gilbride
Joan Dorothy Gilbride
Clara Giovanniello
J. Lloyd Grant
Josephine Henriquez
John Henriquez
R. Isaacs
Jane R. & Charles Janiak
Karen Lynn Kemp
Mr. & Mrs. George E. Kemp III
R. Knowles
M. Knowles
Mitchell J. Krask
M. Kuerzi
Sr. Jo Laurienzo, S.N.D.
Lydia & Charles Lawrence
Kenwyn Lord
Padre Santiago Mallen, CSSR
Carmelite & Victor Maynard
Bernice F. McCray
Thomas “Al” McCready
Holly Jean McCready
McGee & Schneider Families
Helen McKeon
Bernabe V. Mendoza
Marie & Thomas Modica
Rt. Rev. Paul Moore, Jr.
Joseph A. O’Leary
Steve & Janet Oryzysyn
Rev. Charles Ott, CSSR
Theresa Ott
Onesefero & Marcelina Pacina
Bob & Mary Paddock
Jose Padilla Genito
Ersula Paul
Frances & Robert Pouzar
Lilia Carriere Prevost
Peralta Prevost
Bella & Jorl Reg
Maggie Rittler
Eric A. Rivera
Gerchow & Candida Rose
Karen Scott
Madeline Serluco
Julien Simon
Jimmy Solomon
Jessie Q. Sotto
William Stroetz
William Stroetz
Gabriel Tarud
Isabel Tarud
Maruja Tarud
Humberto Tarud
Anne Taylor
Christopher Temple
Ruth & Larry Thorne
Elizabeth & Sinforoso Tindog
Siu Tong
Librada & Jose Torres
Ronald Townes
Vera Traad
Rolando Tylan
Cezar Augusto Umadac
Rosetta Valentine
Christopher Valentine
Dora Velaso
Marjorie Victor
Carmen & Fernando Virola-Guzman
Dorothy Wendt
Maddox White
Shannon Whooley
Jennie & Charles Wildes, Sr.
Zer-Hu Yes
Julian Young
Lourdes Young
Ann Young
Ben Young
For the Special Intentions of:
E. Foley
Providencia Castro Gilbride
Michael Thomas Gilbride
Ron & Pat Ketcham
Deborah Lamano
Heather Lewis
Fr. Thomas Walters, O.F.M
The Paschal Candle has been given for the special intentions of:
Katherine Puangco.
Treasures from Our Tradition: “White Sunday”
Sometimes children acquire nicknames in childhood that stalk them through adulthood: “Pinky,”“Boo-boo,” and the like. This Sunday was once called “Low Sunday,” a step down from Easter glory, and an unfortunate nickname since Easter rejoicing goes on for fifty days. Traditionally this is the day when the newly baptized put away their white baptismal robes and returned to their everyday life after a week of intense celebration. Of course, the goal was to take up everyday duties with a very new point of view.
A long title for the day was Dominica in albis deposito, or “The Lord’s Day for Putting Away the Albs,” so no wonder the nickname “Low Sunday” arose. In the old calendar it was also called “Quasimodo Sunday,” after the first word of the opening chant, Quasimodo geniti infantes, or “As newborn infants,” a reference to the newly baptized taken from the Epistle of Peter. Victor Hugo’s bell-ringing hero in The Hunchback of Notre Dame was abandoned as an infant on the threshold of the cathedral of Paris on Low Sunday, 1467, and named “Quasimodo” for the feast.
– Rev. James Field
40 Hour Immigration Advocates Training Course
*Based on the Immigrant Legal Resource Center curriculum using the 20th edition of A Guide for Immigration Advocates
*For those who work or volunteer for nonprofit organizations & for lawyers desiring to practice immigration law
*Non-lawyer participants who successfully complete the course will receive ILRC certificates
*42 CLE credits (including 4 ethics credits) for New York Attorneys approved by the New York Continuing Legal Education Board
* Scholarships & tuition discounts available for staff & volunteers of nonprofit organizations
* Tuition assistance based on financial hardship availablefor licensed attorneys
* 14 Tuesdays beginning April 10 until July 31, 2018 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
* Venue: San Damiano Hall – 129 West 31st St. New York, NY (one block away from Penn Station & major subway stations)
* Tuition: $700.00 (includes the 2-volume 20th edition of the Guide for Immigration Advocates, which is normally sold for $350)
* SPACE IS LIMITED! – Registration deadline: Monday, March 26, 2018
For more information & to register, contact The Migrant Center (212) 736-8500 ext. 305 or email: Rhodora Raterta at rraterta@stfrancisnyc.org
The Pastor’s Corner: April 8, 2018
On this Second Sunday of Easter, we hear about doubt and belief. Are you a believer? Are you a doubter? Our answer to both questions most likely is “yes.” Thomas is a clear example of someone searching for a solid faith and so he responds to the other apostles who tell him that they have experienced the risen Lord by saying “I will not believe.” He wants to see the nail marks and the wound in Jesus’ side. Wouldn’t you? Thomas is not disappointed because a week later the apostles are gathered together again and this time with Thomas. His response is “My Lord and my God” after he is able to see and touch Jesus’ hands, feet and side. Throughout this Easter season, a fitting response to all that we experience during these weeks is Thomas’ response “My Lord and my God.”
Our Filipino Community is sponsoring an overnight Pilgrimage to Boston the weekend of May 12 and 13. I will be accompanying the Pilgrimage and we will make visits to our Franciscan Shrine of St. Anthony in downtown Boston and the JFK Presidential Library. If restoration is nished, we will also visit the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Boston is an exciting city and our Friars have been in the downtown area since the 1950’s at our Workers’ Chapel. Contact information may be obtained at the Reception Desk.
Open to all.
There still are spaces available for the November Poland and Eastern Europe Pilgrimage, but they are going quickly. Email areitz@stfrancisnyc.org for more information or for a registration form.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
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