Following the Motions of the Spirit

+JMJ+

On more than one occasion, I've been told I'd make an excellent university professor. I highly doubt that I shall ever attain that status, but my ability to throughly enjoy (to an extreme degree) any academic discourse (particularly relating to philosophy and theology) remains.

Tending to have the personality type that asks "Why Not?" rather than "Why?", this weekend I added yet another project...but this one shall help develop a side of me I've allowed to deepen (at least intentionally) in a while.

I was having an conversation with a friend of mine...and we were essentially discussing the concept of the Reign of Christ the King vs. that of the Enemy--as discussed by a certain 20th Century Irish Priest. That lead us to consider how most Catholics really do not have a substantive understanding of the Catholic Faith in general...and surely many Catholics have more opinions about Catholicism than actually adhering to the tenants of the Faith. Part of this is pride...but one cannot fail to factor in the lack of solid formation and catechesis that contributes to these widespread attitudes among Catholics, especially in the more 'advanced' societies.

As our conversation continued, we of course turned to Papa John Paul, and my friend stated that he hadn't even read all of his Encyclicals. Neither have I...and so we decided to begin--right away!

During the next couple of months the goal is to read, chronologically, each of Papa's 12 Encyclicals, and to discuss the content thereof. The object of this study will be to come to a fuller understanding of the catechetical implications of Papa John Paul's works, while simultaneously discerning ways to build up the formation of the 'average' Catholic, and really allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate ways to make the Faith come alive for those who have never been allowed to (or allowed themselves to) experience the Sacred Mysteries of Catholicism.

This goes hand in hand with the recent political shift in the United States of America. Concurrently, I've been privileged to take part in two new initiatives, both in Illinois, in response to the rise of the Obama Administration. Both of these initiatives, Students for Life of Illinois, and The Culture of Life Junior Board, aim to put the talent and enthusiasm of young adults in Chicago and around the state into action for the defense of a Culture of Life and to promote true moral values through the Theology of the Body. I am very hopeful about both these endeavors, which really are in cooperation with the movements of the Holy Spirit in response to the dramatic shifts towards an even more drastically entrenched moral relativism in the U.S.

+++++++

The first of Papa John Paul's Encyclicals is Redemptor Hominis. The goal is to complete the reading of this Encyclical by the Feast of Christ the King (Sunday, November 23). We want to discuss the riches found within the text and are excited to learn how to allow this garden of grace to bear much fruit for the New Evangelization. It is such a great joy.

For anyone who reads this blog, I invite you to read the Encyclicals with us over the next couple of months! I find it helpful to take notes while I read, and I will be posting the fruits of our discussions of the texts on this blog, and welcome any questions/comments and feedback you may have.