Christian Humanism

Fr Bernard Carney sm

Christian Humanism

Recently Pope Francis spoke to a Congress of Italian Bishops. Among many things he said were some comments on the theme of humanism. In other words, what makes a good person. He did not want to  get in to abstract language but he wanted  in his words “to present with simplicity some features of Christian Humanism, something akin to the mind of Jesus Christ. These represent the warm interior force that makes us able to live and make decisions.”

The pope went on to say, “The first sentiment is humility…. The obsession with preserving one’s own glory, one’s own dignity, must not be part of our sentiments. We must seek God’s glory, that does not coincide with ours. God’s glory that shines in the humility of the stable in Bethlehem or in the dishonour of Christ’s cross always surprises us.”

“Another sentiment is selfishness. The humanity of the Christian is always outward looking. Please, let us avoid remaining shut up with in structures that give us a false sense of security – within rules which make us harsh judges. Our duty is to make this world a better place and to fight. Our faith is revolutionary because of the inspiration that comes from the Holy Spirit.”

“Another of Jesus’ sentiments is that of beatitude. The Christian is blessed...In the Beatitudes, the Lord shows us the path. By taking it we can arrive at human and divine happiness. The beatitudes we read of in the gospel begin with a blessing and end with a promise of consolation.” The Pope said that the beatitudes lead to the Spirit and “when the Spirit is ready all the rest comes by itself.”

Jonah Lomu

In our society we have recently seen some examples of sporting leaders, the late Jonah Lomu for example, who have been readily accepted because they retained their ‘common touch’ despite the well deserved accolades the nation and the sporting world gave them. Fame did not turn their heads.

This Christian humanism is available to all people. We find it in the lives of the saints but we also find it in the patient bearing of an illness and the giving of ourselves to others. Perhaps this could be our watchword leading into Lent.

Source: VIS 10/11/2015