Young Adult
The following is a TED talk made by Pope Francis. It has a lot of amazing insight into what our role as Catholics should be in our world today. Make sure you turn on the subtitles and follow along closely to the message. I encourage you to pause and take notes, or print the transcript found below and highlight your favorite parts.
This information is too good to not share with others!
Full transcript can be found here: http://time.com/4755663/pope-francis-ted-talk-transcript/
A summary can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/26/world/pope-ted-talk/
There is a lot to reflect on after hearing Pope Francis' words. Let's start by beginning in prayer and reflecting on the Scripture he mentioned. Lectio Divina is a way of really opening up the scriptures and seeing what God's message is for you today. If you have never used this form of prayer, or need a good visual for it check out the link below and follow along.
An Easy Illustrated Guide to Praying Lectio Divina
An Easy Illustrated Guide to Praying Lectio Divina
The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
The story of the Good Samaritan is the story of today’s humanity.
- Pope Francis
Take some time to reflect on this with a friend, family member or co-worker. This is worth having a good conversation about! Here are some good questions to talk about or reflect on:
- Pope Francis talks about asking the question "Why them and not me?" referring to the poor and marginalized. How you ever asked yourself that question? What did it stir up inside of you?
- None of us are an island...we need connections. What connections are you grateful for in your life?
- What do you think our world would look like if innovation took to heart equality and social justice and acted out of love?
- How can we work to make solidarity our default attitude?
- Mother Teresa said: "One cannot love, unless it is at their own expense." What does this mean to you?
- What gives you hope? How can you be a light in a dark world?
- Tenderness is being on the same level as another. To lower yourself and be like Jesus. What are some ways you feel called to be part of the "revolution of tenderness"?
- In what ways can you reach out to others to make a 'you' become an 'us'?
Not sure who to talk to about something like this, or looking for to be a part of a larger Catholic community this summer? Check Novos out! This is a great group of well formed, fun loving young adults who would love to share faith with you. Find them on Facebook or on any of the links below: https://www.facebook.com/NovosDSM/