by Joan Mitchell, CSJ
What can I do?” Someone often asks that question after a lecture. The questioner is waking up to the topic and wants a takeaway.
A young man stops Jesus to ask a similar question in Sunday’s gospel. “What must I do to receive eternal life?” In answer Jesus names six of the ten commandments, the sacred do’s and don’t’s of Israel’s covenant with God.
The young man knows and keeps these commandments. He doesn’t murder, steal, cheat, commit adultery, or bear false witness. He respects his parents. The young man warms Jesus’ heart; he is so earnest and open that Jesus suggests “one thing more.”
In the five years since his election, Pope Francis has repeatedly suggested one thing more we can do to heal suffering and poverty in our world. In the Joy of the Gospel (2014) Francis calls us to continue Jesus’ mission and teach children God loves them.
In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis urged us to support international agreements to reduce climate change and protect Earth’s poorest people. He never forgets the people of the barrios in his home country who live on $2 to $10 per day. Most people in the world live below the official U.S. poverty line—$26,500 for a family of four in 2021.
In Amoris Laetitia, Love in the Family (2016) Pope Francis speaks pastorally, allowing time for grace to work in complex and irregular relationships. In Gaudete et Exultate, Rejoice and Be Glad (2018), the pope reminds us baptism calls each of us to holiness. Pope Francis wants us to discern what spirit moves in us — the spirit of the world or the Holy Spirit and the spirit of the beatitudes. He insists holiness grows in paying attention to the small details of daily love as Jesus does:
the wine is running out;
one sheep is missing;
a widow giving two coins;
spare oil for lamps;
enough bread for the crowd;
a fish cooking on the fire (#143).
- What is “one thing more” you feel an urge to do?
- What spirit moves in you?