It is not therefore a matter of inventing a "new programme". The programme already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition, it is the same as ever. Ultimately, it has its centre in Christ himself, who is to be known, loved and imitated, so that in Him we may live the life of the Trinity, and with Him transform history.
(Novo Millennio Ineunte 29)
1st Week of Advent
Starting Afresh from Christ
Sunday November 30, 2025 - Marcel Dion -
This is one of my all time favourite quotes from St John Paul II. It seems to me somewhat simple, and yet so profound. I can’t help but wonder what kind of shift, expansion, and elevation would come about in the Church (i.e. in all of us, lay people as well as clerics) if we all humbled ourselves before this wisdom and adopted this pastoral plan.
We’re all aware of the many “plans” that the Lord is using effectively to draw souls to Himself which result in conversions. But we do well to guard against putting our faith and trust in these programmes, rather than the person the plans are all about. The bottom line, the beginning and end of all these programmes is JESUS! An actual person - divine yes - but also fully human. A person with whom we can have a personal relationship; a person who is to be “known”, that’s the starting point; “loved”, that’s the inevitable by-product of knowing Jesus; “and imitated”, that’s our response of faith to knowing and loving Him, “so that in Him we can live the life of the Trinity”; that’s the mind-blowing mystery we are invited to embrace, “and with Him transform history”; that’s the awesome destiny to which we are all called!