Our world teems with beauty. Yet, many of its inhabitants today say they are living in a gloomy world. This may be true, but of whose doing? Who started the endless conflicts and violence between nations and peoples, destroying God’s creation or the senseless killing of innocent victims? Who would not be horrified with contemporary tragedies caused by man or stunned by the incredible cruelty people can inflict on others? Across the globe, disrespect for human life has taken multifaceted forms.
On the other hand, are we touched by the huge wave of solidarity towards displaced people in different parts of the world? Are we not inspired by the Christians in Iraq who turn to prayer in the face of persecution? Are we not impressed by the surge of volunteers who reach out to victims of calamities, who offer to help to contain the Ebola virus, risking even their own lives? Are we not amazed by the persecuted Christians in China who risk all just to live out their faith? To fail to be touched and inspired by these great people is to fail to realize the active presence of God amidst the turmoil in the world.
Pope Francis’ year-old Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, invites us to a road of happiness where the “fragrance” of God and His Word should be taken not only as nourishment but also as a radical call to spread this “fragrance” far and wide. It is no naïve invitation nor is it a denial of the hard times we are faced with. It is, instead, the “powerful light” that should keep radiating in dark moments; the healing power of the “oil of consolation” poured upon our wounds; and the “inebriating fragrance” that should keep us hoping without despairing. Indeed, it is our rootedness in the Gospel that sustains us in difficult times. As J.C. Ryle very well stated: “To be truly happy, a man must have sources of gladness which are not dependent on anything in this world.” We have to realize that hope and joy are not contingent upon “good” circumstances. The Holy Spirit’s vivifying action in us cannot be nullified by any tragedy that may befall us.
It would be a pity if we would let this document of Pope Francis become just that – a document. Its richness and actuality have to shape our lives – the life and mission of all of us as a Church. Despite this seemingly enormous challenge, the inspiring words of Timothy Cardinal Dolan, on the occasion of his installation in the Archdiocese of New York, give delight to my heart: “Being Catholic is not a heavy burden, snuffing the joy out of life; rather, our faith in Jesus and His Church give meaning, purpose and joy to life. I love being a Catholic.”
Yes, I, too, love being a Catholic. No proselytism here! My being a Catholic gives me the light, the hope and the strength not just to cope with the challenges I face today but, most importantly, to understand that I also have the mission to be that “light,” that “fragrance,” and that “balm” to the distressed hearts of today.
Let the light of faith within us shine, the oil of compassion pour out, and the fragrance of Christ, who is the reason of our hope, spread far and wide – for others.
All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. Evil can be conquered by genuine goodness alone. And where there is goodness, there is joy!
