Evangelical Principle of Generosity and Sharing

INTRODUCTION

Jesus brought a revolution aimed at changing the hearts of people. This revolution is based on the evangelical principle of generosity and sharing which Pope Francis developed in the second chapter of his encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti.

WRITTEN BY

SHARE THE WORD

PUBLISHED ON

In the previous articles, we reflected on chapter one of the encyclical letter in communion with Pope Francis. We have considered the trends that hinder the realization of the dream of ‘universal fraternity and social friendship.’ Moreover, we have considered the causes of those trends according to the considerations of the Pontiff. In the first number of chapter two (n. 56), Pope Francis writes to guide his readers with his words: “The previous chapter should not be read as a cool and detached description of today’s problems, for ‘the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts.’”

As we go through chapter two, we allow ourselves to be enlightened by the Word of God to see what we should do to be living instruments for the creation of a better world. I would like to introduce the thoughts of the Pontiff about the parable of the Good Samaritan, presenting briefly the revolutions we have had in the world throughout the centuries.

Generosity And Sharing
Humankind has seen several revolutions. Many took place to change structures and systems and caused bloodshed with mixed results. Other revolutions aimed at changing hearts, and made life richer, more dignified, and more real. They left a positive mark on history. The revolution brought by Jesus belongs to this second group. It is based upon “the great evangelical principle of generosity and sharing” wanted by God, recognized by the followers of Christ Jesus, and practiced by people of goodwill. A person who accepts this principle within human relationships says to all his/her brothers and sisters: “What is mine is also yours, and I will share with joy all that I have.” This principle of generosity and sharing is what Pope Francis has wanted to proclaim and promote in the second chapter of Fratelli Tutti through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Promoting this principle, the Pontiff and we, in communion with him, mean to say a big NO to two other principles that are against the Gospel and lead to death. The first is the principle of selfishness and isolation that can be expressed this way: “What is mine is mine and woe to anyone who touches it.” The Gospel of Luke has a parable of Jesus that strongly depicts the above principle (Luke 12:16-21).

The parable describes a very rich man who is convinced he can be very happy by controlling his life and everything in it, because of the abundance of his goods. But God said to him: “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be”? Pope Francis has strongly disapproved of this principle as it hurts people and leads to death. The second principle, which I would call “The principle of the robbers”, could be expressed in these words: “What is yours is mine, and if you do not give to me, I will take it by force.” This principle was described in the Parable of the Good Samaritan and commented upon in the second chapter of the encyclical letter.

Care For One Another
Pope Francis says: “In the attempt to search for a ray of light in the midst of what we are experiencing… I now wish to devote a chapter to a parable told by Jesus Christ two thousand years ago. Although this Letter is addressed to all people of goodwill, regardless of their religious convictions, the parable is one that any of us can relate to and find challenging” (n. 56). It deals with human relationships. It also makes us understand that we are called to care for one another, to obey God’s plan of salvation for all, and to respect the human dignity of every person.

At this point of the Letter, Pope Francis presents two steps in the process of growth in the commandment of love:

1. “Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you” (Tobit 4:15).

2. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

We can remember here two higher degrees of love: to love one another as Jesus has loved us (see John 15:12) and to be one (see John 17:21).

May Mary intercede for us so that we may become lovers of all with deeper meaning and greater intensity. In order to become loving in this way, we all need the energy of the Holy Spirit. God knows this and His desire to strengthen us is always translated into a great gift of generosity. In our next article, we will continue analyzing this second chapter of Fratelli Tutti.

Share Your Thoughts

All comments are moderated

From The Same Issue

The articles and content about this issue

From The Same Issue

The articles and content about this issue

From This Topic

The articles and content about this topic

From This Topic

The articles and content about this topic

Explore Other Topics

Browse other coverage

Explore Other Topics

Browse other coverage

WM SPECIAL

Presents, discusses and draws readers to reflect on issues of outmost relevance to the world today.


FRONTIERS

Very often, mission is carried out in frontier situations around the world. Those who embrace these situations have much to share.


UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Writer Ilsa Reyes will be exploring the richness of Pope Francis’s latest encyclical Fratelli Tutti with a view of helping our readers to get a grasp of the this beautiful papal document.


FRONTLINE

Puts to the front committed and inspiring people around the world who embrace humanitarian and religious causes with altruism and passion.


IN FOCUS

Focus on a given theme of interest touching upon social, economic and religious issues.


FAITH@50

As the Philippines prepares to celebrate 500 years of the arrival of Christianity. Fr. James Kroeger leads us in this series into a discovery journey of the landmark events in the history of faith in the Philippine archipelago.


INSIGHT

Aims to nurture and inspire our hearts and minds while pondering upon timely themes.


FILIPINO FOCUS

The large archipelago of the Philippines, in its richness of peoples and cultures, offers varied and challenging situations for mission.


FOLLOW ME

Reflections and vocation stories that shape up the lives of young people.


MISSION IS FUN

As humor and goodness of heart are qualities of Christian and missionary life, the new column “Mission is fun” will be publishing some anecdotes and stories that have happened in a missionary context to lighten up the spirits and trigger a smile in our faces.


LIVING COMMUNION

To help readers of World Mission live this year dedicated to Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples, Tita Puangco, writer and lecturer, shares in this section insights on the spirituality of communion.


WINDS OF THE SPIRIT

A historic view of the Catholic movements that emerged from the grassroots as an inspiration by the Holy Spirit.


BRIDGE BUILDERS

On the Year of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples, radio host and communicator Ilsa Reyes, in her monthly column, encourages Christians and people of good will to be one with their fellow people of other sects, religions and tribes.


INTERVIEW

Questions to a personality of the Church or secular world on matters of interest that touch upon the lives of people.


WORLD TOUCH

News from the Church, the missionary world and environment that inform and form the consciences.


CARE OF THE EARTH

A feature on environmental issues that are affecting the whole world with the view of raising awareness and prompting action.


EDITORIAL

The editor gives his personal take on a given topic related to the life of the Church, the society or the world.


YOUNG HEART

A monthly column on themes touching the lives of young people in the Year of the Youth in the Philippines by radio host and communicator I lsa Reyes.


SCROLL

A missionary living in the Chinese world shares his life-experiences made up of challenges and joyous encounters with common people.


EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

Life stories of people who deserve to be known for who they were, what they did and what they stood for in their journey on earth.


ONE BY ONE

Stories of people whom a missionary met in his life and who were touched by Jesus in mysterious ways.


INCREASE OUR FAITH

Critical reflection from a Christian perspective on current issues.


SPECIAL MOMENTS

Comboni missionary Fr. Lorenzo Carraro makes a journey through history pinpointing landmark events that changed the course of humanity.


PROFILE

A biographical sketch of a public person, known for his/her influence in the society and in the Church, showing an exemplary commitment to the service of others.


WM REPORTS

Gives fresh, truthful, and comprehensive information on issues that are of concern to all.


LIFE'S ESSENTIALS

A column aimed at helping the readers live their Christian mission by focusing on what is essential in life and what it entails.


ASIAN FOCUS

Peoples, events, religion, culture and the society of Asia in focus.


THE SEARCHER'S PATH

The human heart always searches for greatness in God’s eyes, treading the path to the fullness of life - no matter what it takes.


INDIAN FOCUS

The subcontinent of India with its richness and variety of cultures and religions is given center stage.


AFRICAN FOCUS

The African continent in focus where Christianity is growing the fastest in the world.


JOURNEY MOMENTS

Well-known writer and public speaker, Fr. Jerry Orbos, accompanies our journey of life and faith with moments of wit and inspiration based on the biblical and human wisdom.


IGNATIUS STEPS

On the year dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyala, Fr. Lorenzo Carraro walks us through the main themes of the Ignatian spirituality.


THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF JESUS

Fr. John Taneburgo helps us to meditate every month on each of the Seven Last Words that Jesus uttered from the cross.


INSIDE THE HOLY BOOK

In this section, Fr. Lorenzo delves into the secrets and depths of the Sacred Scriptures opening for us the treasures of the Sacred Book so that the reader may delight in the knowledge of the Word of God.


CONVERSATIONS

Reflections about the synodal journey on a conversational and informal style to trigger reflection and sharing about the synodal path the Church has embarked upon.

Shopping Cart