Simple, humble, and committed to serving others
Simple, humble, and committed to serving others (7%)
1. Simple and humble Church like the life of Jesus without artifice or vanity, with the Gospel as its only richness
2. Far from and free of the powers of this world, partisan politics for social dominance and ostentatious wealth
3. Close to all people, especially to those most in need, those who feel disaffected, and those who are distant to the Church in their mentality and way of life
Participant’s voice
“There is only one way for the Church: to follow the example of Jesus Christ. In his simplicity, in his humility, in his love for everyone, especially for the most disadvantaged, those abandoned by the society of that time. And at the same time, have the courage to show the path of love and forgiveness. All this is very difficult to achieve these days, because the members of the Church are human beings with the same defects as all those who are in the Parties, in the Governments, in the Banks, in the companies, for mention a few examples. The Church must be humble to face its own problems and must have the courage to face and solve them with the greatest transparency. Our Pope Francis has been fighting for this new path, but the stones placed in their way are enormous”
“Keep a firm grip on the Message in the face of destructive social/political/ideological movements”
Missionnaires’ voice
Explaining the Bible in 2 minutes
A humble Church trusts people
Ester Palma
Spreading hope and freedom
Marco Salas
The Magisterium, the Gospel
The Magisterium
“Spiritual worldliness, which hides behind the appearance of piety and even love for the Church, consists in seeking not the Lord’s glory but human glory and personal well-being. . It is what the Lord reprimanded the Pharisees for: “How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (Jn 5:44).
). It is a subtle way of seeking one’s “own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Phil 2:21). It takes on many forms, depending on the kinds of persons and groups into which it seeps. (…) This insidious worldliness is evident in a number of attitudes which appear opposed, yet all have the same pretence of “taking over the space of the Church”. In some people we see an ostentatious preoccupation for the liturgy, for doctrine and for the Church’s prestige, but without any concern that the Gospel have a real impact on God’s faithful people and the concrete needs of the present time.
In this way, the life of the Church turns into a museum piece or something which is the property of a select few. . In others, this spiritual worldliness lurks behind a fascination with social and political gain,
or pride in their ability to manage practical affairs, or an obsession with programmes of self-help and self-realization”.
Evangelii gaudium, 93-96
The Gospel
Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, fit will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ y decidles: “El Reino de Dios está cerca de vosotros”
Luke 10, 3-9
Questionnaires’ results
According to you, which of these characteristics best define the Church?
Stats
- solidarity 73.8%
- Selfish 6%
- authoritarian 23.1%
- participative 46.5%
- innovative 11%
- outdated 27.9%
- close 39.6%
- Distant 25.2%
40% of people feel it close to people,
but 25% (1 in 4) feel it distant
49.183
surveys analyzed
How to move forward
Theological standpoint
The Church has been getting closer to people by following the example of Jesus and the first Christian communities, progressively abandoning the remains of the Roman Empire, especially after the Second Vatican Council. Humility is the virtue that reminds us of our limited reality and saves us from power struggles. Simplicity arises from it, which does not mean lacking funds, but rather not showing off or placing trust in them, and sharing them as much as possible.
Moral-behavioral standpoint
Catholics should avoid resorting to the hallmarks of power, glory, economic ostentation, both the pastors of the Church and the faithful. And promote sharing as a sign of Christians.
Structural and organization standpoint
A pedagogy of humility and simplicity is important as a credible way of being in society, at all levels of the Church.
Pastoral-pedagogical standpoint
Frequently popular fervor identifies the wealth of a person or a space (temple, hermitage, image) with the favor and splendor of God. It is necessary to reflect and find the right point so as not to confuse vainglory and ostentation, redirecting popular generosity towards the most needy neighbors.