Art of Christian Living - Revisited

The Art of Christian Living: A Journey of Relationship with Jesus

The essence of Christian spirituality lies in cultivating an intimate and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as human friendships grow and deepen through interaction and shared experiences, so too does our relationship with Jesus. St. John’s Gospel (John 1:35-42) beautifully portrays this journey through the first disciples' introduction to Jesus, their interactions with Him, and their sharing of these experiences with others.

This model, exemplified by Andrew and his fellow disciple, illustrates the progression of Christian discipleship: Knowing Jesus, Following Jesus, Experiencing Jesus, Sharing Jesus, and Bearing Witness to Jesus. These steps outline the "art of Christian living," which ultimately transforms a believer into a living testament to Christ in the world.

1. Knowing Jesus: The Beginning of Discipleship

• Step: Knowledge about Jesus is the foundation. It begins with an introduction to His life, teachings, and mission through Scripture, prayer, and the testimony of others.
• Example: John the Baptist introduces Jesus to his disciples, saying, "Behold, the Lamb of God" (John 1:36).
• Application: Seek to learn about Jesus through the Gospels, personal reflection, and participation in the Christian community. This knowledge inspires curiosity and desire to know Him more deeply.

2. Following Jesus: A Commitment to Walk in His Footsteps

• Step: Knowledge of Jesus leads to action—choosing to follow Him by aligning one’s life with His teachings.
• Example: The disciples follow Jesus and spend time with Him, asking, “Where are you staying?” (John 1:38).
• Application: Following Jesus involves embracing His values, such as humility, service, and obedience. It is a commitment to walk in faith, trusting in His guidance and grace.

3. Experiencing Jesus: Encountering His Love and Presence

• Step: The disciple’s relationship with Jesus moves beyond knowledge to a personal and transformative encounter with Him.
• Example: The disciples' time with Jesus fills them with joy and purpose, compelling Andrew to proclaim, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).
• Application: Experience Jesus through daily prayer, the sacraments, and a life rooted in His love. This encounter fosters intimacy and strengthens the disciple’s faith, enabling them to live out Gospel values with authenticity.

4. Sharing Jesus: Proclaiming the Joy of the Gospel

• Step: A heart touched by Jesus naturally desires to share this experience with others, inviting them to encounter Him as well.
• Example: Andrew brings his brother Simon to Jesus, introducing him to the source of his joy and transformation.
• Application: Share the message of Jesus through words, actions, and a life that radiates His love. This evangelization flows from a genuine experience of Christ’s presence and power.

5. Bearing Witness to Jesus: Living as Salt and Light

• Step: The culmination of Christian living is to bear witness to Jesus through a life of love, service, and holiness.
• Example: Jesus calls His disciples to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16), embodying His presence in the world.
• Application: Through selfless love, forgiveness, and acts of mercy, a disciple becomes a living reflection of Jesus. Witnessing includes challenging worldly values and upholding Gospel principles, even in the face of adversity.

The Role of Transformation in Christian Living

As the disciple progresses in their relationship with Jesus, a profound transformation occurs. The ego gives way to selflessness, and love for God and neighbor takes center stage. Sacramental life, especially the Eucharist, becomes a source of grace and strength. This transformation empowers disciples to live out the Great Commandment (Luke 10:36-37) and to model Christ in their daily lives.

Living the Art of Christian Spirituality in the Modern World

The journey of discipleship is ongoing, requiring intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises, “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). Through this Spirit, disciples find the courage to reject worldly values and embrace the Gospel fully.

Every disciple is invited to echo the words of Isaiah, “Here I am, Lord” (Isaiah 6:8), and embark on a lifelong transformation. By following the steps of Knowing, Following, Experiencing, Sharing, and Witnessing Jesus, believers become beacons of hope, drawing others into the fullness of life promised by Christ (John 10:10).

Let this ongoing transformation begin today, as we embrace the call to live as true disciples of Jesus in our words, deeds, and very presence in the world.

 

Nurturing a Relationship with Jesus

 

Introduction

In C’est la Confiance, Pope Francis draws on St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s teachings to illuminate a path of trust and simplicity for nurturing a relationship with Jesus. St. Thérèse’s “little way” emphasizes the profound power of humility, reliance on God’s grace, and unwavering confidence in Jesus' love, which resonates deeply with biblical principles. Reflecting on these themes offers Christians a practical way to deepen their faith and connection with Jesus, aligning with His words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

To simplify these teachings, the acronym TRUST encapsulates the foundational aspects of nurturing a relationship with Jesus.

TRUST Acronym for Key Themes

1. T - Total Abandonment
• St. Thérèse teaches that a relationship with Jesus begins with surrendering control. This theme of “holy abandonment” encourages believers to entrust their lives, plans, and fears to Jesus, as He is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11). By letting go and allowing Him to lead, we cultivate a relationship based on reliance rather than self-direction, as reflected in Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
2. R - Reliance on Love
• Thérèse’s life exemplifies a deep dependence on Jesus' love, echoing the call to abide in His love as branches to a vine (John 15:4-5). In our relationship with Jesus, we find security not in our achievements but in His boundless mercy and grace. St. Thérèse’s “empty hands” remind us that Jesus loves us as we are, without needing to earn His affection. This reliance brings us closer to Him, confident that His love is unconditional (Romans 8:38-39).
3. U - Unwavering Faith in Trials
• Thérèse faced personal struggles and spiritual darkness, yet she held onto her faith. This encourages us to maintain our faith in Jesus through hardships, just as He promises to be with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Holding onto faith during trials fosters a profound relationship with Jesus as our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), reminding us that He is closest when we are in need.
4. S - Simplicity and Humility
• Thérèse’s “little way” is grounded in simplicity and humility, finding meaning in small acts of love and service. In following Jesus, we are called to embrace this same spirit, as He exemplified when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). Humility and simplicity allow us to focus on Jesus with a pure heart, recognizing that He values a humble spirit (James 4:6).
5. T - Trust Beyond Fear
• Confidence in Jesus helps us to overcome fear and anxiety, replacing worry with peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Thérèse’s approach of trusting in God’s plan inspires us to bring our fears to Jesus, trusting that He is in control and that “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). This trust strengthens our relationship with Him, encouraging us to rest in His care.

Conclusion

The themes within C’est la Confiance offer a pathway to a profound and meaningful relationship with Jesus. By embracing TRUST—Total abandonment, Reliance on love, Unwavering faith, Simplicity and humility, and Trust beyond fear—we build a relationship with Jesus rooted in faith, humility, and love.

In this journey, we come to see that Jesus, as our constant companion, longs for a relationship where we depend entirely on His grace and mercy. By living out the message of C’est la Confiance, we align ourselves with His words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Through TRUST, we find that true peace and joy lie in a close, loving relationship with Jesus.

Confidence in Jesus - Theresian Model

 

Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation C’est la Confiance, dedicated to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, presents her unique spirituality as a path to holiness through simplicity, trust, and love. Thérèse’s "little way" emphasizes a childlike reliance on God's grace rather than self-reliance, which Pope Francis presents as essential for modern Christians. Through C’est la Confiance, Pope Francis invites believers to adopt Thérèse’s faith in God’s mercy, humble service, and unconditional love as the core of spiritual life. The acronym CONFIDENCE serves as a guide to the main themes of this exhortation, making it easier to remember and practice the messages within.

CONFIDENCE Acronym for Key Themes

1. C - Childlike Trust in God
   Thérèse’s “little way” teaches the importance of childlike trust over self-reliance. Her spirituality celebrates simplicity and encourages a deep reliance on God, finding peace in knowing that one’s accomplishments are secondary to faith.
2. O - Openness to God's Will
   Thérèse’s life exemplified a total openness to God’s plan. Despite challenges, her peaceful acceptance of God’s will serve as a model for releasing worry and embracing divine providence.
3. N - No Dependence on Merits
   Thérèse highlighted that holiness doesn’t come from personal merit but from trust in God’s mercy. She famously presented herself to God “with empty hands,” relying on divine grace alone.
4. F - Faith Through Trials
   Even amid spiritual darkness and doubt, Thérèse maintained her faith, identifying with those struggling to believe. Her resilience demonstrates the power of trust during life’s hardest moments.
   
5. I - Invitation to Abandonment
   Pope Francis emphasizes Thérèse’s lesson of “holy abandonment.” By surrendering control to God, believers find liberation and peace, trusting that God’s plan will unfold perfectly.
6. D - Dependence on Divine Love
   At the center of Thérèse’s spirituality is an unwavering reliance on God’s love. Her teachings affirm that all actions, whether big or small, are made holy through love.
   Sources: Catholic Bishops' Conference​
7. E - Embrace of Humility
   Humility is central to Thérèse’s approach, seeing holiness in simple acts of love. Pope Francis encourages us to find meaning and sanctity in everyday service to others.
   Sources: Catholic Bishops' Conference​
8. N - Nurturing the Church as Love
   Thérèse understood the Church as a community of love rather than triumph. Her vision promotes a compassionate, humble Church that prioritizes mercy over judgment.
9. C - Confidence Beyond Fear
   Thérèse’s spirituality shows how confidence in God can relieve anxiety, inviting believers to replace fear with trust in God’s loving plan.
10. E - Endurance of Love in Darkness
    Thérèse’s ultimate lesson is that “only love counts.” This message encourages the Church and each believer to keep love at the core, even during life’s darkest trials.
    
    

Conclusion

Pope Francis’ C’est la Confiance invites Christians to embrace the spiritual simplicity and unwavering trust of St. Thérèse. Her “little way” is a path accessible to all, characterized by humility, faith, and love. Through the CONFIDENCE acronym, Pope Francis underscores that holiness is not found in grand gestures but in a life of trusting surrender and compassionate love for others. C’est la Confiance ultimately reminds us that, in the end, “only love counts.”

A Call to Embrace Sacred Heart of Jesus

Introduction

Pope Francis’s 2024 encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), presents a profound call to embrace the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a powerful, unifying source of healing and compassion for a world in need. This devotion, traditionally practiced privately, is reimagined as a dynamic pathway for addressing social and spiritual fractures. In a “liquid society”—a world dominated by consumerism, rapid technological change, and disconnection from deeper meaning—Pope Francis encourages Catholics to align their lives with Christ’s love, compassion, and selflessness. By rooting themselves in this “heart-centered” spirituality, individuals and communities are equipped to cultivate resilience, solidarity, and a renewed sense of purpose in both personal and societal contexts​

The Core Themes of Dilexit Nos is encapsulated in the Acronym HEARTS

1. H - Heart of Jesus
• The Sacred Heart represents God’s boundless love, calling Catholics to center their lives around this divine compassion. Pope Francis highlights that this heart-centered devotion transcends individualism and offers a communal, shared experience of God’s love—a spiritual anchor that unites people amidst societal fragmentation​
2. E - Engagement in Mission
• True devotion leads to action. Pope Francis emphasizes that devotion to the Sacred Heart should compel believers toward outreach and service, particularly to the marginalized. Acts of compassion, advocacy, and service become ways to embody Christ’s love actively in the world​
3. A - Acts of Reparation
• Reparation involves actively addressing personal and societal wrongs. Pope Francis calls Catholics to engage in acts of penance, solidarity, and charity as a reflection of Christ’s sacrificial love. Reparation here becomes not just a ritual but a living practice that seeks to heal the wounds caused by injustice and division​
4. R - Response to a Fragmented Society
• In response to today’s fragmented, “liquid” society, Francis encourages devotion to the Sacred Heart as a way to find depth and meaning. This devotion acts as a stabilizing force, helping believers build relationships and a spiritual foundation that withstands the superficiality of modern life​
5. T - Tradition and Saints
• Drawing from saints like St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Pope Francis shows how Sacred Heart devotion has been embodied throughout history in lives of humility, service, and trust. These saints provide models of faith that can guide Catholics today toward compassionate and action-based devotion​
6. S - Spiritual Depth Beyond Technology
• Pope Francis acknowledges the profound impact of technology on modern life but cautions that digital tools cannot satisfy the heart’s deepest needs. He calls for a balance that retains the essential, irreplaceable qualities of empathy, creativity, and human connection, urging Catholics to nurture these qualities as they engage with a digital world​

Conclusion

Dilexit Nos is a compelling call for a renewed, active devotion to the Sacred Heart that transcends traditional spirituality, turning it into a living, transformative love. By aligning their lives with the heart of Christ, Pope Francis suggests, Catholics can rediscover a sense of purpose and unity in a world that often prioritizes materialism over meaning. The Sacred Heart devotion becomes a way not only to encounter Christ personally but also to offer healing and compassion to others. Through acts of reparation, community-building, and committed service, Pope Francis invites believers to embody Christ’s love in action, addressing the social and spiritual wounds of the modern age. In doing so, Dilexit Nos serves as a guide to cultivating meaningful relationships, social healing, and enduring spiritual values that anchor faith in a rapidly changing world​. This framework of HEARTS encourages readers to reflect on the Sacred Heart as more than a symbol—seeing it as a call to active, compassionate living and a reminder of the importance of the heart in both faith and society.Bottom of Form