“The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus” Pope Francis begins his first Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” proclaimed on November 26th. His message inspires many, especially those who concern with the Church whether she should be poorer and more vocal in the events that affect people’s lives including Politics. The Pope prefers “a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church … concerned with being at the centre and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures.”
As we all know, Catholic Priests’ Association for Justice in Jun-Ju celebrated the mass, saying that the President should step down because of the political allegation of the presidential election. The turmoil makes me reflect on the Pope’s words—“No one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without a right to offer an opinion on events affecting society.” He quotes John Paul II, who said that the Church “cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.” I have been astounded by the people’s reaction to the mass. Many who are angry called me, accusing the association and condemning the whole priests. They certainly seemed to be manipulated by the media and believed what they want to see. Their little trust in the priests made me sad.
“Comfort, give comfort to my people” prophet Isaiah raises up his voice today. To comfort God’s people is not to comply with the world, rather it is to make straight in the crooked media, to fill every greed, and to make low the pain of the poor. We have to remember the pope’s words in the exhortation, “In our dealings with the world, we are told to give reasons for our hope, but not as an enemy who critiques and condemns…Only the person who feels happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness, can be a missionary.”
We should not be bitter or angry to comfort God’s people, rather we should be joyful to cry out at the top of our voice. We are the herald of good news, fearing not to cry in the joy of the Gospel. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock, we stand by the shepherds who carry the flock in their bosom and lead them with care to the just society although there are criticism, hatred, and condemnation. God is always with us, making us know his beloved son Pope Francis shows that a true shepherd is not afraid of telling the truth, walking the way of life, and being joyful in the Gospel.