A meaningful life

Twelve paragraphs from the Pope this year to mark our celebration of Christmas – let’s read (it will take max of a half hour) and pass it on. They represent the essential virtues that we should cultivate to lead meaningful lives as human beings who believe in good, who live their lives in God’s likeness.

Please read on.

Missionary and pastoral spirit. Acknowledge the joy and your belief in the Gospel through your lives and work.

Appropriate and wise. Be diligent, use creativity, and be exceptional in whatever you do. Never depend on “connections” and “bribes” to get ahead or face situations.

Spiritual and human. Let the Holy Spirit protect you from human frailty – but avoid becoming a “robot.” If you are unable to laugh or cry with sincerity, “We have begun our decline,” the Pope said. Always show tenderness, kindness, and courtesy to all.

A good model and faithful. Avoid issues that harm souls and hurt the Church’s credibility. “Woe to the world because of things that cause sin.”

Reasonable and gentle. Avoid being too business-like or too lenient. Find balance between rationality and kindness.

Harmless and determined. Don’t be hasty or impulsive and be cautious in your judgments. Act carefully, but with determination, clear vision, obedience to God and for the spiritual welfare of the faithful.

Charitable and truthful. Speak the truth with charity and practice charity in truth. Charity without truth is “a destructive ideology” of “do-goodism” and “truth without charity becomes blind legalism.”

Open, honest and mature. Don’t be good only when people are watching. Don’t lord things over other people, and never deceive. “Honesty is the foundation on which all other qualities rest.”

Respectful and humble: Show respect to everyone. Also, use respect for documents, dossiers, confidentiality, and privacy. Listen carefully and speak politely. You are – and can do nothing without God and his grace.

Generous and stand guard. What is the point of opening all the Holy Doors around the world if our hearts, homes, and hands remain closed to others? Do your best and never let your guard down in regards to vices and weaknesses.

Fearless and ready. Be proactive and face issues boldly with determination and resolve. Don’t become overly involved by ambition and material things, and be ready to move whenever God calls you.

Accountable, trustworthy and sober. Honor your commitments, renounce the superfluous. Practice prudence, simplicity, balance, temperance, live the essentials. Put God and others first; cut back, salvage, “recycle, repair, and live a life of moderation.”

(The above was reproduced from www.catholic.org.)

Back next year

We will be taking a break next week and resume the column on Jan. 5, 2016. As such, let me take the opportunity to extend my family’s warm wishes for a meaningful Christmas and a joyous New Year. Let’s bring the true essence of the holidays to our lives.

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