Pope Francis' Joy of Love

By Fr. Lazar Arasu SDB

Love, joy and peace are basic human needs and we are all searching for them desperately, perhaps without defining its need and search.

All religions and humane philosophies and theories advocate these cardinal virtues. Knowing its need and defining its search will surely put our life into right perspective and facilitate its possession. In a figure of speech Jesus called these virtues as 'The Kingdom of God'. He further advocated, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all other things will be added unto you".

A few days ago, Pope Francis published a long document titled "Joy of Love" (Amoris Laetitia) giving practical guidelines on love, marriage, sexuality and family. It is a conclusion of two meetings (synods) on family issues the Church had with bishops and selected members from all over the world which took place in Rome in the last two years.

Popular media and secular journalists often tend to narrow down such religious document to a few peripheral matters which are often not the focal point of discussion. As usual the media painted this document red with the issues of homosexuality and divorce.

As usual Pope Francis has been very down to earth in approaching issues that affect our daily life that need serious attention. In the past years he has spoken on environment, religious tolerance, refugee crisis, peace in the world, etc.

Now this document "Joy of Love" is loaded with practical wisdom giving guidelines on issues such as preparation for marriage, challenges in family life, pastoral care of families within the church, upbringing of children, and the like. The document which runs into over 260 pages is thought provoking. Humanly speaking it appeals to 'all people of goodwill', not just to Catholic Christians.

Article 260 of Joy of Love says, "...Parents need to consider what they want their children to be exposed to, and this necessarily means being concerned about who is providing their entertainment, who is en­tering their rooms through television and elec­tronic devices, and with whom they are spending their free time. Only if we devote time to our children, speaking of important things with sim­plicity and concern, and finding healthy ways for them to spend their time, will we be able to shield them from harm. Vigilance is always necessary and neglect is never beneficial. Parents have to help prepare children and adolescents to con­front the risk, for example, of aggression, abuse or drug addiction."

On the education of children within the family we cannot be more practical, thoughtful and humane as pope speaks here. These lines are gentle reminder to parents who constantly struggle in their families to monitor and guide their growing children.

These are lines of challenge, admonition and practical lesson. The pope is calling on parents to be attentive to the needs and behaviours of growing children. He is asking the parents to be knowledgeable in matters that young people are into such as social media, entertainment and things that can cause addiction.

His words such as consider, concern, devote time, shield, vigilance and prepare are inviting us to be available to children, be there for them, enter into their world and accompany them in their growing up. The Pope also stands for the rights and freedom of children. He advocates healthy and rightful space for children to grow in freedom.

Only in a healthy atmosphere of free-will children will grow responsibly, creatively and lovingly. Proverbially he says, "Time is greater than space", meaning it is better and easy to spent time with them than to control their movements and watch children all over the place, which is almost impossible. "What is most important is the ability lovingly to help them grow in freedom, matu­rity, overall discipline and real autonomy." (art. 261)

The Pontiff rhetorically answers the ultimate question of how and why we love children, "The questions I would put to parents are these: "Do we seek to understand ‘where' our children really are in their journey? Where is their soul, do we really know? And above all, do we want to know?". Pope Francis' words are authentic, compelling and absorbing the mind and soul. Heeding them is good for our family and upbringing of our children. Let us educate ourselves in love.

The writer is a priest and school administrator in Kamuli

www.arasulazar.org