This past week, a headline caught my eye: “Pope Francis approves four priorities for the Jesuits’ next decade.” It was a story in America Magazine, and summarized the four guidelines, or “preferences” as the Jesuits refer to them. These concise directives struck me as helpful tools for laypeople who also want to live in conformity with the values of our Catholic faith, and who strive to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
Here is the list of the four priorities, in my own “retranslation:”
1. To remain close to God. To respond to the love we receive by investing in a spiritual life that examines honestly our own actions and to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in us.
2. To stay close to those who are suffering, who are poor, who are rejected. To work for justice, healing and reconciliation for all.
3. To remain close to and partner with our young people and to help them find hope in a sometimes bleak world.
4. To do our share to love and care for Creation. May all we do, in our bodies and spirits, bring glory to God and comfort to those who are suffering. Please pray for Karidat’s role in our community as we try to offer healing and hope, just as Christ Himself does for each one of us.