Apostolic Exhortation:

Apostolic Exhortation

THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL Evangelii GaudiumBy Pope Francis

November 24, 2013Presenters: Sheila Kinsey, FCJM and Felix Mushobozi, CPPS

English Promoters Meeting, January 15, 2014 The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter JesusProclaim the gospel today!Enhances with Scripture and church resourcesDevelops and shapes contributions from work of the Synod on Evangelization New chapter of evangelizationjoyChurchs journey for years to comeBaptized permanently in state of missionPromotes practice not doctrinal discussionOriginal freshness of the GospelNeed for pastoral and missionary conversionNeed for renewal of church structuresConversion of the papacySound decentralizationNot to fear re-examination of certain customs not directly connect to heart of Gospel even if deep historical rootsSee implications in the questionnaire for Family LifeSoliciting information regarding practice Eternal newnessChapter ITHE CHURCHS MISSIONARY TRANSFORMATIONMissionary mandate of Jesus: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Mt 28:19-20).Connection to BaptismAn evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in peoples daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. Need to smell of the sheep (24)Taking the first stepI hope that all communities will devote the necessary effort to advancing along the path of a pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are. Mere administration can no longer be enough. Throughout the world, let us be permanently in a state of mission. (25) Pastoral activity and conversionto make ordinary pastoral activity on every level more inclusive and open, I dream of a missionary option, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Churchs customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of todays world rather than for her self-preservation. (27)Ecclesial renewal cannot be deferredSaint Thomas Aquinas taught that the Churchs moral teaching has its own hierarchy, in the virtues and the acts which proceed from them. What counts above all else is faith working through loveIn itself mercy is greatest of the virtues, since all the others revolve around it and, more than this, it makes up for their deficiencies. (37)From the Heart of the GospelThe Church is called to be the house of the Father, with doors always wide open. One concrete sign of such openness is that our church doors should always be open, so that if someone, moved by the Spirit, comes there looking for God, He or she will not find a closed door. (47)A Mother with an Open HeartI prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Churchconcerned with being at the center and then bends by being caught up in web of obsessions and procedures. If something should rightly disturb usit is the fact that many of our brothers and sisters are living withoutthe friendship of Jesus Christ. people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: Give them something to eat (Mk 6:37)(49)Go forth and offer everyone the life of JesusChapter TwoAMID THE CRISIS OF COMMUNAL COMMITMENTAstute analysisSkilled with capturing the essentials and provoking concernUnjust use and unjust distribution of resourcesNo to economy of exclusionNo to the new idolatry of moneyNo to a financial system which rules rather than servesNo to the inequality that spawns violence Challenges of todays worldWe need to be instruments of Christs presenceSigns of hope and tendernessPope Francis clearly describes temptationsSelfishness and slothWearing down, small-mindedness and defeatismDont fall prey to envy and jealousy

Temptations faced by pastoral workersConcern for spirituality of well-being detached from responsibility for brothers and sistersConcern that Gospel have real impact on what people needWants the church free from superficial spiritual and pastoral trappingsYes to the new relationships brought by ChristGrowth of responsibility of laity who are kept away from decision-making by excessive clericalismIncisive female presence in the church where decisions are made and rights are respectedYoung should exercise greater leadershipScreen motivation of candidates Need for involvement

Chapter III

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL

OVERVIEW OF CHAPTER III 1. What is the point Pope Francis is making in Evangelii Gaudium?The great problem which the Exhortation points to is the almost complete lack of missionary zeal on the part of Catholics.This absence of missionary zeal could also be referred to as a near rejection, or forsaking, or lack of acknowledgement, of the apostolic character of the Catholic faith by the great majority of Catholics.

What is the point?Ask a Catholic, What have you done this week to spread the faith?, and he might look at you as if you were a Fundamentalist or oddball.But obviously the New Evangelization, which recent Pontiffs have so fervently desired, will go nowhere unless the faithful are engaged in spreading the good news

2. Pope Francis is challenging himselfand uswith three questions:Why not look at things from a new perspective? Why not be open to doing things in a new way? Why not have a new vision for the church?

3. The Proclamation of the Gospel (#110-175)This chapter is really the heart of the Apostolic Exhortation, achieving just that: a) exhorting all Christians to see themselves as apostles called to go out into their varied worlds to preach the Good News of Christs love and forgiveness. Francis stresses how b) the myriad ways of life in our postmodern world are simply more invitations for the Gospel to take root.The primacy of conversionHere, Francis unabashed confidence in the power of Christ and his Church to convert all comes through brilliantly. Our Pope is not afraid of the world, but sees in every human culture (the word culture comes from a Latin verb meaning to worship or colere) wide-ranging, as well as rich, opportunities for Christian conversion.The structure of Chapter IIII.The entire people of God proclaims the Gospel (# 111-134II.The homily: as an important part of ministry. (135-144)III.Preparing to preach: (# 145-159)IV.Evangelization and the deeper understanding of the kerygma (# 160-175)I.The entire people of God proclaims the Gospel (# 111-134)a. A Church conscious of its identity: A church which is more an organic and hierarchical Institution, which is first and foremost A PEOPLE advancing on its pilgrim way towards God.b. A Church conscious to be a mystery rooted in the Trinity and working through the principle of the primacy of grace.

The entire people of Godc. This people which God has chosen and called is the Church is not an exclusive and elite group.d. A church with people who are culturally diversified, each of which has its own culture. However this cultural diversity is not a threat to church unity.

II.The homilya. It should be brief and avoid taking a semblance of a speech or lectureb. It should be heart to heart communication avoid purely moralistic or doctrinal preaching (EG 140-141).c. The homily should be positive in order to offer hope it should not be trapped in negativity.Not only homilyd. The attitudes that should guide a good preacher:- approachability; patience; warmth and welcome which is not judgmental

III.Preparing to preach (#145-159)Trust in the Holy Spirit who is at work during the homily is not merely passive but active and creative. (EG 145); It should be based on meditated scripture; A preacher should be moved by love of God;IV.Evangelization and the deeper understanding of the kerygma In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role of the first announcement or kerygma, which needs to be the centre of all evangelizing activity and all efforts at Church renewal [...] This first proclamation is called first not because it exists at the beginning and can then be forgotten or replaced by other more important things.Continually in need of being evangelizedIt is first in a qualitative sense because it is the principal proclamation, the one which we must hear again and again in different ways, the one which we must announce one way or another throughout the process of catechesis, at every level and moment.[126] For this reason too, the priestlike every other member of the Churchought to grow in awareness that he himself is continually in need of being evangelized.RESOURCES: Chapter III

James Martin, SJ, A new Vision for the Church, America: The National Catholic Review http://americamagazine.org/node/157072.

Michal Pakaluk, How to Read The Joy of the Gospel: What is the Point of Evangelii Gaudium and What Does that Say About Paragraphs on the Economy? http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/how-to-read-the-joy-of-the-gospel

Synthesis of the Apostolic Exhortation The Joy of the Gospel. http://www.news.va/en/news/synthesis-of-the-apostolic-exhortation-the-joy-of

Chapter IVTHE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF EVANGELIZATION Life in community and the engagement with others has immediate moral implications centered on charity. (177)Evangelization commitment to the liberating work of the spiritDont judge, be merciful, measure given is the measure receivedFocus of church is missionaryKingdom of heaven is a matter of justice, peace and joy in the Spirit (Rom14:17)Gospel is about the kingdom of GodConsideration of all dimensions personal and social for all creationUnceasing interplay of the Gospel and of concrete life of everyoneOur mandate is to go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation (Mk 16:15) (181)Kingdom and its challengeNeed practical applications for the common goodAuthentic faith always involves a desire to change the worldImportance of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the ChurchImportant to let the analysis of problems to the respective countriesChurchs teaching on social questionsTwo great issues fundamental for our timesInclusion of the poor in society, and Peace and social dialogueOur faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral development of societys most neglected members. (186)

1. Inclusion of poor in societyAll Christians and communities are to be instruments of GodWork to eliminate the structural causes of poverty and promote the integral development of the poorBe in solidarity with property and goods for the common goodRestore to the poor what belongs to themWhen change structures need to generate new convictions and attitudes otherwise ineffectual

In union with God, we hear a pleapeace is founded not only on respect for human rights, but also on respect for the rights of peoples. (Compendium) Every person is called to self-fulfillment. (Paul VI Populorum Progressio) (190)This means education, access to health care, employment, just wages so access other goods. (192)Peace-respect for human rightsAlmsgiving, mercycovers sinsBe faithful to this light-filled path of life and wisdom. For defenders of orthodoxy are sometimes accused of passivity, indulgence, or culpable complicity regarding the intolerable situations of injustice and the political regimes which prolong them. (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith) (194)Fidelity to the Gospel, lest we run in vainWhen St. Paul approached the apostles in Jerusalem his key criterion of authenticity was that they should not forget the poor... (195)St. Paulsign of authenticity of FaithJesus was one with the poor, he preached to the poor and the poor followed himPoor have a special form of primacy for Christian charity; we learn from the poor; have special option for the poorPoor suffer from lack of spiritual careSpiritual conversion, the intensity of the love of God and neighbor, zeal for justice and peace, the Gospel meaning of the poor and of poverty, are required of everyone. (201)Special place of the poor in Gods peopleNeed to resolve structural problemsinequality if the root of social illsEconomy needs to serve the common goodNeed to create sources of employment rather than increase profits by reducing the work force and thereby adding to the ranks of the excluded. (204)Economy and the distribution of incomeI ask God to give us more politicians capable of sincere and effective dialogue aimed at healing the deepest rootsPolitics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good. (205)Politicians called to vocation for the Common GoodI am interested only in helping those who are in thrall to an individualistic, indifferent and self-centered mentality to be freed from those unworthy chains and to attain a way of living and thinking which is more humane, noble and fruitful, and which will bring dignity to their presence on this earth. (208)If anyone offend by wordsEssential to draw near to new forms of poverty and vulnerability, in which we are to recognize the suffering Christ, I think of the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned, and many others. Migrants present a particular challenge for me, since I am the pastor of a Church without frontiers, (210) Concern for the vulnerableLet us not look the other way. There is greater complicity than we think. The issue involves everyone! This infamous network of crime is now well established in our cities, and many people have blood on their hands as a result of their comfortable and silent complicity. (211)Doubly poor are those women who endure situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence,(212)Particular love and concern are unborn children (213) Distressed at lot of victims of traffickingRespect for all creationSmall yet strong in the love of God, like Saint Francis of Assisi, all of us, as Christians, are called to watch over and protect the fragile world in which we live, and all its peoples. (216)Like St. Francis of AssisiThe dignity of the poor is above the privileges of the richneed to raise our prophetic voicePeople in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens,Let us not forget that responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. (USCCB, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship, 220) III. The common good and peace in societyGuidance for the development of life in society and building of a people where differences harmonized Indicates 4 principles: time is greater than space, unity prevails over conflict, realities more important than ideas, and the whole is greater than the part. Be concerned about initiating processes rather than possessing spaceEngage others to bear fruitProcesses of people-building rather than short-term political gains. Romano Guardini: The only measure for properly evaluating an age is to ask to what extent it fosters the development and attainment of a full and authentically meaningful human existence, in accordance with the peculiar character and the capacities of that age. (224)1.Time is greater than spacethe best way to deal with conflict. It is the willingness to face conflict head on, to resolve it and to make it a link in the chain of a new process. Blessed are the peacemakers! (Mt 5:9) (227)Solidarity in deepest sensereserve what is valid and useful on both sides. (228)Locus of reconciling differences is within ourselvesUnity brought by the Spirit can harmonize every diversity. (230)2.Unity prevails over conflictReject ways of masking realityethical systems bereft of kindnessNo followersperhaps stuck in the realm of pure ideasPut word into practice, perform works of justice and charitymake the word fruitful3.Realities are more important than ideasIn fact is greater than the sum of its partsTension between globalization and localizationGlobal--avoid narrownessLocalfeet to the groundSum total of persons within a society to pursue the common good, which truly has a place for everyone. (236) 4.The whole is greater than the partChapter IV THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF EVANGELIZATIONPart IV: SOCIAL DIALOGUE AS A CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE

1. Evangelization involves dialogue There is a need for the Church to collaborate with political, social, religious and cultural spheres of society.a) Collaboration with political authority:

Collaboration with political authorityi) the role of the State: It is the responsibility of the State to safeguard and promote the common good of society.[188] Based on the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, and fully committed to political dialogue and consensus building, it plays a fundamental role, one which cannot be delegated, in working for the integral development of all. This role, at present, calls for profound social humility.(# 240).

The role of the Churchii) In her dialogue with the State and with society, the Church does not have solutions for every particular issue. Together with the various sectors of society, she supports those programmes which best respond to the dignity of each person and the common good. In doing this, she proposes in a clear way the fundamental values of human life and convictions which can then find expression in political activity. (# 241)b. Collaboration with civil society

It involves dialogue between faith, reason and science.

Faith and sciencethe Church proposes another path, which calls for a synthesis between the responsible use of methods proper to the empirical sciences and other areas of knowledge such as philosophy, theology, as well as faith itself, which elevates us to the mystery transcending nature and human intelligence. Faith is not fearful of reason; on the contrary, it seeks and trusts reason, since the light of reason and the light of faith both come from God[191] and cannot contradict each other. All of society can be enriched thanks to this dialogue, which opens up new horizons for thought and expands the possibilities of reason. This too is a path of harmony and peace. (# 242)

Mutual enrichment

All of society can be enriched thanks to this dialogue, which opens up new horizons for thought and expands the possibilities of reason. This too is a path of harmony and peace. (# 242).

c. Religious collaboration

within the Catholic Church through the experience of collegiality and the experience of synodality, through ecumenical dialogue between those who believe in Christ, through dialogue and friendship with the children of Israel and through interreligious dialogue.

i) Commitment to Ecumenism is the matter of credibility of the Christian message, a contribution to the unity of the human family. Divisions among Christians constitute a serious counter-witness; Signs of division between Christians in countries ravaged by violence add further causes of conflict on the part of those who should instead be a leaven of peace.How to overcome them

If we concentrate on the convictions we share, and if we keep in mind the principle of the hierarchy of truths, we will be able to progress decidedly towards common expressions of proclamation, service and witness. (# 246)

ii) the dialogue with our Orthodox brothers and sisters, we Catholics have the opportunity to learn more about the meaning of episcopal collegiality and their experience of synodality. Through an exchange of gifts, the Spirit can lead us ever more fully into truth and goodness.Dialogue with Judaism

Dialogue and friendship with the children of Israel are part of the life of Jesus disciples. The friendship which has grown between us makes us bitterly and sincerely regret the terrible persecutions which they have endured, and continue to endure, especially those that have involved Christians. (# 248)iii) Dialogue with Judaism

Dialogue and friendship with the children of Israel are part of the life of Jesus disciples. The friendship which has grown between us makes us bitterly and sincerely regret the terrible persecutions which they have endured, and continue to endure, especially those that have involved Christians. (# 248)iv. Interreligious dialogue

a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities.Interreligious dialogueThis dialogue is in first place a conversation about human existence, In this way we learn to accept others and their different ways of living, thinking and speaking.Dialogue through JPICWe can then join one another in taking up the duty of serving justice and peace, which should become a basic principle of all our exchanges. A dialogue which seeks social peace and justice is in itself, beyond all merely practical considerations, an ethical commitment which brings about a new social situation.

Dialogue in Charity and TruthIn this dialogue, ever friendly and sincere, attention must always be paid to the essential bond between dialogue and proclamation, which leads the Church to maintain and intensify her relationship with non-Christians; avoiding facile syncretism. (# 251)Relationship with the followers of IslamThis has taken on great importance: the Pope humbly entreats those countries of Islamic tradition to guarantee religious freedom to Christians, also in light of the freedom which followers of Islam enjoy in Western countries. (# 252)Truthful Relationship with MuslimsWe Christians should embrace with affection and respect Muslim immigrants to our countries in the same way that we hope and ask to be received and respected in countries of Islamic tradition.The Pope exhorts all of us to avoid hateful generalization for authentic Islam and the proper reading of the Koran which are opposed to violence.d. Social dialogue in a context of religious freedomReligious Freedomi) the importance of respect for religious freedom, viewed as a fundamental human right. This includes the freedom to choose the religion which one judges to be true and to manifest ones beliefs in public.(Cf. Benedict XVI, Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, 26)

Non-believing Minoritiesii) Private religions such as Agnostics or non-believing minorities should not be arbitrarily imposed in a way that silences the convictions of the believing majority. There is a need for dialogue and alliance between believers and non-believers.Chapter V

SPIRIT FILLED EVANGELIZERS

Evangelii Gaudium(259-288)Introduction

Pope Francis argues that the filial boldness given to Gods children, on that first outpouring of the Holy Spirit, is continually available in Christs Church and, today, we are all called to receive the Spirit so as to bring him to all those who do not yet know themselves as Gods people. The stress here is on that missionary impulse with which the Exhortation opened, as well as on that one ecclesia God longs to form out of all humanity.

The Exhortation ends with a prayer to Mary, asking her, the Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for Gods little ones, to pray for us.

A. Structure of Chapter VReasons for a renewed missionary impulse (# 262-283)Personal encounter with the saving love of Jesus (# 262-267)The spiritual savior of being a people (# 268-274)The mysterious working of the risen Christ and his Spirit (# 275-280)4. The missionary power of intercessory prayer (# 281-283)

Structure of Ch. VMary, mother of evangelization (# 284-288)Jesus gist to his people (# 285-286)Star of the New Evangelization (# 287-288)B. THEMES:1. People of God who are fearlessly open to the working of the Holy Spirit- those who have courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness in every time and space.2. Evangelizers who pray and work in the knowledge that mission is at once a passion for Jesus and passion for his people (# 286).3. Only the person who feels happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness can be a missionary. (Its all about Love)

A committed missionary knows the joy of being a spring which spills over and refreshes others. Only the person who feels happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness, can be a missionary. This openness of the heart is a source of joy, since it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). We do not live better when we flee, hide, refuse to share, stop giving and lock ourselves up in own comforts. Such a life is nothing less than slow suicide. (# 272)4. Not to be discouraged by the scarcity of results or failures; often fruitfulness is invisible, only our commitment is necessary. (# 275)- Warning against pessimism, fatalism and mistrust which is a sign of lack of deep spirituality: Some people do not commit themselves to mission because they think that nothing will change and that it is useless to make the effort. C. The Marian Style of the Churchs Work of Evangelization

1. The interplay of justice and tenderness, of contemplation and concern for others Whenever we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness. In her we see that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong who need not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves. Contemplating Mary, we realize that she who praised God for bringing down the mighty from their thrones and sending the rich away empty (Lk 1:52-53) is also the one who brings a homely warmth to our pursuit of justice. She is also the one who carefully keeps all these things, pondering them in her heart (Lk 2:19) A woman of prayer and work Mary is able to recognize the traces of Gods Spirit in events great and small. She constantly contemplates the mystery of God in our world, in human history and in our daily lives. She is the woman of prayer and work in Nazareth, and she is also Our Lady of Help, who sets out from her town with haste (Lk 1:39) to be of service to others. (# 288).2. The revolutionary nature of love and tendernessWith the Holy Spirit, Mary is always present in the midst of the people. She joined the disciples in praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14) and thus made possible the missionary outburst which took place at Pentecost. She is the Mother of the Church which evangelizes, and without her we could never truly understand the spirit of the new evangelization. ( # 284)

RESOURCES:Michal Pakaluk, How To Read The Joy Of The Gospel: What Is the Point of Evangelii Gaudium and What Does That Say About Paragraphs on the Economy?, on http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/how-to-read-the-joy-of-the-gospel David Meconi, S.J. Understanding Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, in the Homiletic and Pastoral Review (HPR), on http://www.hprweb.com/2013/12/understanding-pope-francis-apostolic-exhortation-evangelii-gaudium/ Mathew Shadle, Pope Francis Evangelii Gaudium: Economy and culture, on http://catholicmoraltheology.com/pope-franciss-evangelii-gaudium-economy-and-culture/