Pope Francis Proposes New Beatitudes Linking JPIC, Evangelization and Ecumenism
November 21st, 2016
by Fr. Harry Winter, OMI
After his ecumenical celebration with Lutherans in Lund, Sweden, on Oct. 31, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for All Saints Day in nearby Malmo. During his homily on the Beatitudes, he proposed six new Beatitudes. Notice how they link together the various dimensions of our Catholic Faith:
- Blessed are those who remain faithful while enduring evils inflicted on them by others and forgive them from their heart.
- Blessed are those who look into the eyes of the abandoned and marginalized and show them their closeness.
- Blessed are those who see God in every person and strive to make others also discover him.
- Blessed are those who protect and care for our common home.
- Blessed are those who renounce their own comfort in order to help others.
- Blessed are those who pray and work for full communion between Christians.
Pope Francis observed that new situations require new energy and new commitment. It is also significant that the Prayer Intentions at the Mass were read in 5 European languages (Swedish, English, Spanish, German and Polish) as well as Arabic.
For the joy which we receive from working with other Christians, especially Lutherans, see the Christian Joy page, Mission-Unity-Dialogue website: www.harrywinter.org.
In one of the early translations after Vatican II, of the Scriptures into English for proclamation at Mass, the beatitudes became the “happytudes”: Happy are those, etc.
As we work for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation with other Christians, may we share more blessedness, happiness and joy!
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