LIVING
IN THE
LIGHT
Spirituality for the Layperson
A Spirituality of Joy and Optimism
W
Dr. Patricia
Cooney Hathaway
Dr. Patricia Cooney
Hathaway is professor
of spirituality and
systematic theology at
Sacred Heart.
evangelization, and it would be insufficient
hen the occasion warranted it, my
to envisage a plan of evangelization to be
father would remind me, “You will
carried out by professionals while the rest
get farther in life with honey than
of the faithful would simply be passive
with vinegar.” I recalled his advice when I read
recipients” (no. 120).
Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation, The Joy
As missionary disciples, Francis cautions
of the Gospel.
us to “beware of Christians whose lives seem
At a time when the New Evangelization
like Lent rather than Easter” (no. 6). He
runs the risk of being identified too narrowly
Dr. Patricia Cooney Hathaway is professor of spirituality
reminds us that “no one She is a nationally
with sin, the narrow way, and the all-pervading
and systematic theology at Sacred Heart.can receive the good
news in the areas of spirituality and theology.
presence of the demonic, Francis, while ecognized speaker from evangelizers who are dejected,
r
discouraged, impatient or anxious” (no. 10).
acknowledging those realities, prefers to focus
In whatever way we are called to live the
on a “new chapter of evangelization marked
gospel, Francis encourages us to begin with
by joy” (no. 1). He introduces his message with
joy and confidence (no. 8)
John 15:11: “I have said these things to you so
Such optimism does not shy away from
that my joy may be in you and that your joy
the challenges of our time. Francis identifies
may be complete.”
human trafficking, the narcotics trade,
The pope’s exhortation is optimistic yet
challenging, calling us to be unapologetic about the abuse of minors, the abandonment of
the elderly, etc., as posing challenges to
who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. He
evangelization (no. 53). As a response to such
describes an evangelization of persuasion rather
social evils, he offers a proclamation of the
than confrontation; a theology that invites
gospel as a basis for restoring the dignity of
people to know the joy of sharing the message
of Jesus rather than a theology of judgment and human life (no. 75)
A gospel way of life is not only about
fear.
a personal relationship with God. It is also
Here are a few examples of the pope’s
dedicated to bringing about God’s kingdom
invitations that struck a deep chord in me as
of love and mercy in our world. Pope Francis
vital for a spirituality for the laity.
reminds us, “The Son of God, by becoming
Pope Francis invites everyone to a renewed
flesh, summoned us to the revolution of
personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the
tenderness” (no. 88). This revolution is
source and inspiration of our evangelization.
expressed in a spirituality that finds Jesus in the
He shares with us a wonderfully positive image
faces of others, especially the poor and outcast,
of Jesus.
in their voices, in their pleas; a spirituality that
“Whenever we take a step toward Jesus, we
serves them with tenderness and mercy (no. 91).
come to realize that he is already there, waiting
Pope Francis sees his personal mission as
with open arms. . . . How good it feels to come
one of welcoming people to the life and energy
back to him whenever we are lost! . . . With
of the gospel as an antidote to the despair and
a tenderness which never disappoints, but is
cynicism of the world. As such, he has been
always capable of restoring our joy, he makes
welcomed by millions of men and women as a
it possible for us to lift up our heads and to
breath of fresh air.
start anew” (no. 3).
My father was right. “Honey rather than
What is the key to Francis’ new
vinegar,” a message of joy and compassion, not
evangelization? “Get moving!” He calls
just sin and condemnation, will enable men
everyone to be a missionary disciple of
and women to find in Jesus the source and
the good news. “All the baptized, whatever
meaning of their lives. “I have come to bring
their position in the Church or their level
you life, life in abundance” (Jn 10: 10).
of instruction in the faith, are agents of
Spring 2014 n Sacred Heart Major Seminary
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