Pope Francis Stresses Dialogue For The Common Good

Pope Francis stresses the importance of Church dialogue between governments, society, culture (each of which is unique and espouses common and differing values and customs).  He encourages dialogue with scientists, Christians of other denominations, and non-Christians.  The purpose of this dialogue is to promote human development and the common good (Evangelii Gaudium 238).

Our Holy Father echoes the teachings espoused in Vatican II's Constitution on “The Church in the Modern World,” challenging all Catholics to become more involved in the affairs of the world in order to bring a Christian influence into all sectors of society.  No longer does the Catholic Church understand itself to have a fortress mentality protecting “Orthodoxy” in isolation from everyone.  She is a Church desiring to enter into dialogue with all segments of society, churches and non-Christians to bring the truth of Christ's Gospel to bear on all decisions, and to bring others to a personal relationship with the Risen Christ. 

He also echoes the outstanding (but often forgotten) encyclical of Pope Paul VI “Pathways of the Church,” wherein he encouraged that same dialogue some 40 years ago outlining the principles for productive dialogue.  Pope Paul VI did not see the fruits of his writings in his lifetime; however, his teaching is now obviously becoming part of the fabric of God’s Kingdom.

E.G. 239 expresses the Church's best desires for dialogue: “…she wishes to cooperate with all national and international authorities in safeguarding the immense universal good....”  All Catholics are being called to be concerned about the world’s needs. While heaven is our final goal, we reach it by our love of God and neighbor, which God’s Spirit inspires within us.

How often do we see the placards at ballgames with John 3:16 written on them?  John 3:16 captures the very heart of the Gospel message:  “God so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Jesus is God's greatest sign of God’s immense love and concern for our world.  Believing in Jesus does not mean that we are to be concerned about our own salvation.  Believing in Jesus means striving to incorporate His gospel teaching into our decisions and striving to live in the manner He lived – faithful even unto death on a cross, his final and ultimate act of self-giving for the world’s salvation.

Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, the concluding words at the end of the Words of Institution are “Do this in memory of me.” This means not only celebrating the memorial of His death and resurrection, but also “living each day in His memory.”  Authentic worship unites our daily living in Christ with our worship of the Father in Christ at each Eucharist.  Eating His Body and Blood is an affirmation that we also desire to become Christ in the world. If our daily living does not strive to imitate the self-giving of Christ celebrated in each Mass, then our worship runs hollow.

We could now say that “God so loves the world that He sent His only Son AND the Church” because the Church is God's instrument of grace and salvation in the world.  God's work is not limited to the Church for God remains sovereign; however, God has chosen to work through the Church (“Church” being everyone from the Pope down to us in the pews).  By sending the Church now in the name of the Risen Christ, Christians are called to live in such a way so that “all people may be raised up by the hope of a world made new.”