Gift Not Effort

Many have observed Pope Francis’ words about “yoga” and “zen.” They are being recalled now that the pope is in South Asia. The context for the words has not been recalled very much. Francis spoke them at the end of a daily homily about hardened hearts and being unfree.

Yoga and zen followed in a list that began with “catechesis” and “spiritual courses.” Yet coursework of any kind and individual effort cannot replace Holy Spirit who softens hearts and offers true freedom.

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Wiki-image of Pope Francis Uploaded by Stemoc CC BY-SA 2.0