Faith Reflection - Mercy the Beauty of Our Young
Joy and charity are foundational to holiness as expressed by Pope Francis in his recent letter Rejoice and Be Glad. Joy is one of the “five great expressions of love for God and neighbor” that Francis considers of “particular importance” for building up holiness in a culture that does much to pull us away from attaining the holiness God calls all of us to.
Saints know the joy of the Lord is their strength, said Francis (cf Nehemiah 8:10), and because of this hopeful spirit that courses through them they are not dreary or timid. This is not a joy that is spurred on by an empty individualism and consumerism that ‘bloats the heart,” as the Pope put it, but a joy that delights in sharing and is capable of rejoicing in the good of others.
This joy and charity, found in those small gestures we spoke of last week, was on display right here with our Junior High. Last week Mrs. Damian was auctioning off items with her 6th grade class. When a little red book with adorable and simple line drawings came under consideration the 6th graders immediately called out saying, “You should give that to Mrs. Alhadef, she likes that kind of stuff!” Mrs. Damian heartily agreed and it was later delivered to me by a kind and humble 7th grader (Victoria).
When I opened the little gift I, of course, didn’t know the back story but loved the book (as the 6th graders knew I would) and went to thank Mrs. Damien for her thoughtfulness. After she told me what had taken place I went to 6th grade the next day to thank them. As I was thanking them (and again when I came back and read the little book to them) I really experienced in their smiling faces the joy and charity that builds holiness that Pope Francis shows us is so elemental to who we are as Catholic-Christians. Thank you 6th graders for thinking of others and living your faith joyfully.
Cinema for the Soul will be showing Unconditional Love on Thursday, 26 April, in the Youth Lounge of the Olive parish hall. Come watch stories of real people, bold and courageous people, show unconditional love through a life of service to others. And after watching the movie let Fr. Erik how it has made you more bold and courageous. We don’t celebrate Pentecost as a Church community until the 20th of May this year, but we can be filled with the Holy Spirit at any time.
Thank you. Mrs. Alhadef