Pope Francis said what??

What the pope said in his big interview has been as big a the Emmys in the media!  It is interesting the many interpretations of what he said.  So, I will make a suggestion as to how to best sift through all he commentaries--read it yourself!  Here is the link: http://www.americamagazine.org 

Granted it is 16 pages of small font, but a very interesting read!

Pope Francis has charisma! He loves people and desires to share the joy of following Christ.  I imagine that this charisma reflects that of Christ who was able to inspire so many people who others considered hopeless or sinners too far gone.  Do we inspire others to love Jesus Christ?  How do we do that?  How can we?

Ok, now to discernment and consecrated life!  There was lots in there about it.
Discernment:
"Discernment is always done in the presence of the  Lord, looking at the signs, listening to the things that happen, the feeling of the people, especially the poor...But I am always wary of decisions made hastily.  I am always wary of the first decision, that is, the first thing that comes to my mind if I have to make a decision.  This is usually the wrong thing. I have to wait and assess, look deeply into myself, taking the necessary time.  The wisdom of discernment redeems the necessary ambiguity of life and helps us find the most appropriated means, which do not always coincide with what looks great and strong."

"And the Church is Mother; the church is fruitful.  It must be.  You see, when I perceive negative behavior in ministers of the church or in consecrated men or women, the first thing that comes to mind is: 'Here's the unfruitful bachelor' or 'Here's a spinster.'  They are neither fathers nor mothers, in the sense that they have been able to give spiritual life."
---Pope Francis had previously gotten headlines when it was said he call consecrated women spinsters.  Again, things need context! As consecrated women we need to keep the fire of our vocation burning just as a marriage must be kept alive.  We must continue to grow and live in a life giving way.

"Religious men and women are prophets," says the pope.  "They are those who have chosen a following of Jesus that imitates his life in obedience to the Father, poverty, community life and chastity...Prophecy makes noise, uproar, some say 'a mess.'  But in reality, the charism of religious people is like yeast: prophecy announces the spirit of the Gospel." 
---There is more in there too.  Go to the section under "A Religious Order Pope" check it out. Is Christ calling you to stir things up and make some noise proclaiming the Gospel?

"Finding God in all things is not an 'empirical eureka.'...God is found in the gentle breeze perceived by Elijah...A contemplative attitude is necessary: it is the feeling that you are moving along the good path of understanding and affection toward things and situations.  Profound peace, spiritual consolation, love of God and love of all things in God--this is the sign that you are on the right path."
---What places/times have you set aside to be quiet, to listen, to hear God's Word for you?

This Friday, September 27th is the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Daughters of Charity.  The messages of St. Vincent de Paul and Pope Francis are in great harmony.  Seek God in prayer, in events, in people, especially in those living in poverty.  Reach out to others to share the love and mercy of Jesus Christ and don't tread on the heals of Providence.

Closing reflections questions given to us by Pope Francis in the interview:
"What have I done for Christ?  What am I doing for Christ? What should I do for Christ?"