Papal retreat: A ministry of
encouragement, and a warning against idolatry
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| Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament during the Spiritual Exercises at the Casa Divin Maestro (Vatican Media) |
The preacher for this year’s Spiritual Exercises for the
Roman Curia, Fr Pietro Bovati, warns against modern forms of idolatry, and
encourages a “ministry of encouragement”. As he recovers from a cold, Pope
Francis continues to follow the exercises from the Vatican.
By Vatican News
Pope Francis is continuing to say Mass at the Casa Santa
Marta, and following the spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia, according to
a statement Tuesday evening from the Director of the Holy See Press Office,
Matteo Bruni. “The cold the Holy Father has been diagnosed with in recent days
is running its course”, Bruni said, “without symptoms attributable to other
diseases”.
Jesuit Father Pietro Bovati, who is directing the spiritual
exercises, warned against modern forms of idolatry during his reflection on
Tuesday afternoon.
Day 3 afternoon: Idolatry rooted in lack of faith
Focusing on the story of the golden calf in the book of
Exodus, Fr Bovati said that, although idolatry is sometimes seen as a problem
of the past, it nonetheless remains “a capital sin”. Reflecting on various
aspects of idolatry, he highlighted a desire for certainty, choosing “to see”
rather than to listen to the voice of the invisible God.
Father Bovati also warned of the danger, especially in the
modern digital world, of becoming “followers” of an idolatrous object. In
particular, he said there can be a kind of idolatry in ritualism, in being
concerned with beautiful ceremonies which may lack authentic prayer, rooted in
hearing and accepting God’s Word.
Jesus overcomes this temptation to idolatry, Fr Bovati said,
when He triumphed over Satan during the temptations in the desert. By His
example, the Lord teaches us how to overcome our own blindness.
Day 4 morning: A ministry of encouragement
In the fifth meditation, on Wednesday morning, Fr Bovati
said the only antidote to the fear people feel today is the Word of God, “which
breaks into human history”.
Reflecting on the Crossing of the Red Sea (Ex 14) and the
story of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14), Fr Bovati noted that the theme of
a night crossing is prominent in both stories. In particular, the Hebrew people
were discouraged by the difficulty of the flight from Egypt. Moses, rather than
criticizing the people, exercises a “ministry of encouragement” to help the
people trust God.
In Matthew’s Gospel, the Apostles are frightened when a
storm threatens their boat. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, and
encouraging them, “Do not be afraid”. He invites Peter to have the same
experience of walking on water, and when Peter’s faith wavers, Jesus holds him
up.
Jesus saves us and sets us free
Father Bovati concluded his reflection on Wednesday morning
by suggesting to those present to pray Psalm 124 “as a prayer of praise for the
Lord who sets us free, who saves us”. If Jesus were not “He Who Is”, we would
have perished in the deep waters. “But the waters have not submerged us: the
snare was broken, and we are freed”.
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