We continue Pope Francis’ encyclical letter entitled Fratelli Tutti, on fraternity and social friendship. This week is a summary of Chapter 3 by Brendan Gottschall, SJ.
Chapter 3 – Envisaging and Engendering an Open World
Pope Francis goes on to say that the social, loving dimension of human life is universal, natural, and essential. Love both draws us out of ourselves and draws the ones we love into ourselves. True love also “impels us towards universal communion… By its very nature, love calls for growth in openness and the ability to accept others as part of a continuing adventure that makes every periphery converge in a greater sense of mutual belonging” (95). This movement toward solidarity does not eliminate differences, but celebrates the beauty of diversity.
An authentic human fraternity must be based on a recognition of the inherent dignity of all persons, especially those who are vulnerable, poor, or suffering. In economic terms, human dignity also entails the right to “sufficient opportunities for his or her integral development” (118). Francis here reiterates the Church’s teaching of the “common destination of created goods,” which states that “if one person lacks what is necessary to live with dignity, it is because another person is detaining it” (119). Rights to private property are derived from the universal destination of goods and therefore are subordinate to it. Pope Francis recognizes that this way of thinking is not common these days, but that “if we accept the great principle that there are rights born of inalienable human dignity, we can rise to the challenge of envisaging a new humanity” (127).
Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick
You may have seen in the news a report on the Vatican’s investigation of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was dismissed from the clerical state in February 2019. If you go to this link you will see what our diocese does to prevent clergy sexual abuse and other resources you may find helpful as we continue to create a safe environment for our children.
Thanksgiving Mass
Our Thanksgiving mass will be on Tuesday, November 24th, at 7:00 p.m. Please bring food for Lee’s Summit Social Services on Nov. 24th or the weekend before. Sign-up’s are required. Please click here to sign up.
Parish and Diocesan Appeal
Your support of our parish is very important. If you have not returned your pledge card, please do so at your earliest convenience. The diocese also counts on our support for all that they do for our church in the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese. To date, we have received 171 pledge cards totaling $398,388 toward tithe, and $47,410 towards Mortgage Reduction. The Diocesan appeal for Holy Spirit Parish has met 62% of our parish goal with $21,860 received.
Ushers needed
We are badly in need of ushers for weekend and Christmas masses. If this ministry is something you could help with, please email Terry Brunetti at the parish office, tbrunetti@holyspiritmo.org.
Veterans Day
As I write for this Parish News on November 11, I am conscious of the fact that today is Veterans Day. I am grateful for all men and women who have served our country in the military.
You can find this week's Prayers of the Faithful here.
Fr. Mike
