By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis, in his reflection on apostolic zeal during the Wednesday General Audience, emphasized the need for Christians to infuse contemporary societies with the joy of the Gospel. Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, representing the Pope, delivered the catechesis as Pope Francis is still recovering from pulmonary inflammation.
Acknowledging the prevailing pessimism fueled by global challenges such as wars, climate change, and injustice, the Pope remarked on the impact of technological progress and individualism, surrendering natural desires to an overpowering economic logic. He highlighted the paradox of living in a civilization that seeks to organize itself without acknowledging the presence of God, manifested in vast, Godless cities.
Drawing parallels with the Biblical tower of Babel, Pope Francis warned against the temptation of unified human thought leading to nationalism and a thirst for power. He stressed that Evangelii Gaudium aimed to encourage the Church to evangelize by understanding and engaging with contemporary ways of relating to God and one another.
The Pope emphasized that the proclamation of Jesus must resonate within the culture of the present time, quoting the Apostle Paul’s words about the urgency of salvation. He asserted that truth gains credibility through lived witness, and Evangelii Gaudium advocates for proclaiming Jesus by inhabiting the culture of the current era.
Despite the challenges, Pope Francis presented a positive outlook, asserting that the Gospel offers hope for every age. He defined apostolic zeal as a dynamic testimony to the living Gospel and urged the Church to engage with the world actively. Instead of merely proclaiming from a distance, the Pope encouraged the Church to go into the streets, fostering encounters and unity.
In conclusion, Pope Francis called for the Church to be a presence at the crossroads of society, enabling Christians to counter pessimism by infusing societies with the hope and joy of the Gospel. He expressed the desire for Christians to assist others in maintaining their connection with God, opening their hearts to Him, and finding the source of enduring peace and joy.
