Pope John Paul II begins his encyclical Veritatis Splendor by answering to principal question of the entire work. What is the key to morality? By looking closely at the Biblical narrative of the Lord’s encounter with the rich young man (Matthew 19), he answers that this key is the sequela Christi —following Christ. This following is not merely an imaginative exercise, a kind of “what would Jesus do” speculation, but an interior conformity with Christ. It does not at all negate the Ten Commandments in favor of some “higher spirituality”, but embraces them as a reflection of the dignity of the human person. This following necessitates a conformity to the Beatitudes. It means a total surrender of self to follow Jesus in the life of self-giving love for God and for one’s fellow human beings. Morality is far more than “being good”. It is inextricably tied to the Commandment to Love.
God and the Good
Veritatis Splendor, Chapter 1
Nov 04, 2024
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A student of St John Paul II's thought and writings, I offer podcasts on his writings, as well as essays on our challenge to live out the Christian life today.
A student of St John Paul II's thought and writings, I offer podcasts on his writings, as well as essays on our challenge to live out the Christian life today.Listen on
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