Apostoles, Jasmin N.

2F
Sem 4 Reflection Paper

Gaudete et Exsultate is a timely reminder for every Christian that there is no standard or single
way to answer the call of the Lord for holiness. It is an affirmation that every person is different
from each other; hence, every person has a different way of expressing holiness. Regardless of
age, gender, sex, race, nationality, ethnicity, and social and economic standing, we can share our
ways of living a holy life. This message is important because there may be individuals who may
think that it is hard or close to impossible to answer the call of God for holiness—because we are
merely humans and incapable of godly things. Pope Francis stated in his exhortation under Chapter
1 Paragraph 14 that: “to be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious.” Indeed,
to be holy does not depend on what your status in life is. Answering the call to be holy is shown
through our actions enriched with goodness towards other people. Such simple deeds, though they
may not be grand, enable us to escape what God wants us to avoid—a bland and mediocre
existence. We can thus lead a holy life as we keep consistent with sharing goodness and practicing
selflessness.

I have to admit that I am not well-versed with all the contents of the Holy Bible. Further, I have
yet to learn and understand the other teachings and Words of the Lord as cited in the Book. While
this may be the case, the foundation of my faith still centers on God and how He wants us to live
with goodness guided by spirituality. Gaudate Et Exsultate made it clear that a “person’s perfection
is measured not by the information or knowledge they possess, but by the depth of their charity”.
For as long as a person does good to others, motivated by a passion to live a God-centered life,
then it would not matter so much if one is not too knowledgeable yet of all the things related to
Christ. One cannot live a holy life without God as the center. By ourselves, we are incomplete. It
is only with Him that we can answer His call to holiness.

Selflessness and humility does not diminish a person of his worth; it completes him more as these
are guiding principles to lead a holy life. These are embodied in the Beatitudes, which are
mentioned in the exhortation as explaining what it means to be holy. The simplicity of the
Beatitudes comes with a challenge. Too much hate, wealth, and greed corrupt people, blinding
them from the path to holiness. The Beatitudes must serve as the basic guide of people to follow a
holy life as called upon by God. Overcoming the surrounding challenges must be done with a
realization that the things we do are not solely or mainly for us, but for others and His glory. We
must not attribute so much credit to ourselves, as we cannot accomplish the simplest of things
without God’s mercy, guidance, and wisdom.

To rejoice and be glad. Such a simple phrase yet full of meaning. Yet, people forget this easily;
maybe because they face problems and challenges or maybe because they have lost sight of God
in their lives. Some people may not even be aware of it at all. If only all people can be reminded
of the call of the Lord to holiness, then they may have the opportunity to answer such call. Maybe
then, the problems and challenges they are facing may be alleviated or conquered better. Maybe
then, they can place God at the center of their lives again and proceed with a life doing good to
others. I believe answering the call of the Lord to holiness creates a ripple of goodness in this
world, something we very much need at this time. And there is hope that more people will answer
to this call because of the comprehensive teachings and realizations in Gaudete Et Exsultate.