Humanity in the Eyes of the Church
The preface of Gaudium et Spes opens with a powerful declaration of solidarity. The Church, recognizing the shared joys, sorrows, and anxieties of all people, especially those suffering, extends its message to the entire world. This Second Vatican Council isn’t just for church members or Christians; it’s for everyone.
The document aims to explain how the Church sees its role in the modern world. It focuses on humanity as a whole, acknowledging the world as the stage for human history, filled with achievements and struggles. From a Christian perspective, this world is God’s creation, marred by sin but redeemed by Christ.
Humanity, despite its impressive discoveries and power, grapples with profound questions about the world’s direction, our place within it, and the meaning of existence. In response, the Council offers a conversation. It brings the light of the Gospel and the Church’s resources, guided by the Holy Spirit, to address these concerns.
The core theme is the human person – our entirety, body and soul, with thoughts, feelings, and desires. The Church affirms our inherent dignity and potential for good. It champions the “Godlike seed” planted within us and offers genuine assistance in building a universal brotherhood.
This assistance isn’t driven by worldly ambition. Just as Christ came to serve and bear witness to truth, so too does the Church. Its sole purpose is to continue Christ’s work, guided by the Holy Spirit, to help humanity find its true path.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples,”Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share these posts with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author utilized AI in the preparation of this post.