John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
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Friday, January 17, 2014
Prayer: Oscar Romero
A gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a Word of God that doesn’t get
under anyone’s skin, a Word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the
society in which it is being proclaimed, what gospel is that?
Yes, we are called to disturb the status quo. I think Pope Francis has been doing just that! To me Our Holy Father is like an Old Testament prophet - a man of courage who speaks what God has revealed to him no matter the consequences to him.
As soon as I read these words of Oscar Romero, I thought of Pope Francis. That's why many people don't like him, because he's getting under our skin BIG-TIME! And that's exactly what we need, too, all of us. Complacency is such a sin. I don't know who said it, but I do recall reading a line from one of the saints a long time ago when I was in high school in the late 60s -- went something like this: God hates the peace of those who are destined for war. I'll have to see if I can find it among my papers somewhere. I do believe this. The war we are called to wage is the one against darkness, ignorance, poverty, dishonesty, etc., etc., etc. The evil spirit continues to live and work among us disguised as an angel of light. But, as St. John reminds us, greater is the One who is us us than he who is in the world. Deo gratias!
Father Predmore, I am so happy to have discovered your blog and look forward to reading more of it! I'm going to alert some friends of mine about it (who, like me, love St. Ignatius) and will put a link to your blog on my own. God bless you and keep you happy -- and unsettled! -- in His wondrous love!
Thank you, AC. Francis is bringing us back to the real truths of the Gospel and they are often difficult to accept. Right now, people on the right find it difficult to absorb the effect of his words; it will happen to people on the left and in the center as well. Our faith is to be active and we have to work at it. We have to examine culture, rituals, and traditions, and where possible respect what they have advanced, and yet be free enough to change them when necessary. Our faith is living and we have to be reflective. Romero and Francis help us to get in touch with the twins of freedom and its consequent responsibility.
Yes, we are called to disturb the status quo. I think Pope Francis has been doing just that! To me Our Holy Father is like an Old Testament prophet - a man of courage who speaks what God has revealed to him no matter the consequences to him.
ReplyDeleteFrancis is disturbing us and he will do more. The storybook on the church is not closed at all.
DeleteAs soon as I read these words of Oscar Romero, I thought of Pope Francis. That's why many people don't like him, because he's getting under our skin BIG-TIME! And that's exactly what we need, too, all of us. Complacency is such a sin. I don't know who said it, but I do recall reading a line from one of the saints a long time ago when I was in high school in the late 60s -- went something like this: God hates the peace of those who are destined for war. I'll have to see if I can find it among my papers somewhere. I do believe this. The war we are called to wage is the one against darkness, ignorance, poverty, dishonesty, etc., etc., etc. The evil spirit continues to live and work among us disguised as an angel of light. But, as St. John reminds us, greater is the One who is us us than he who is in the world. Deo gratias!
ReplyDeleteFather Predmore, I am so happy to have discovered your blog and look forward to reading more of it! I'm going to alert some friends of mine about it (who, like me, love St. Ignatius) and will put a link to your blog on my own. God bless you and keep you happy -- and unsettled! -- in His wondrous love!
Thank you, AC. Francis is bringing us back to the real truths of the Gospel and they are often difficult to accept. Right now, people on the right find it difficult to absorb the effect of his words; it will happen to people on the left and in the center as well. Our faith is to be active and we have to work at it. We have to examine culture, rituals, and traditions, and where possible respect what they have advanced, and yet be free enough to change them when necessary. Our faith is living and we have to be reflective. Romero and Francis help us to get in touch with the twins of freedom and its consequent responsibility.
Delete