I’m not sure that after all of the tension, anger, and cynicism that accompanied this week’s presidential election that someone sat back and said, “That was a lot of fun. And I’m really going to miss the political ads.” Thankfully the following day, Pope Benedict XVI had a refreshing Papal Audience message: Rediscover a taste for the joys of life.
Educating people from their childhood to savor the true joys, in all spheres of life – family, friendship, solidarity with those who suffer, renouncing of oneself to serve others, love for knowledge, for art, for the beauty of nature – this means exercising the inner taste and producing effective antibodies against today’s widespread trivialization and banalization.
This came as a timely reminder to rediscover the gifts God has given us, and more importantly, to tell our children to do the same. It may require some re-prioritization—to want to avoid the “widespread trivialization.” But after all, change doesn’t start in the White House, it starts in the family.
To stay up-to-date with the Holy Father’s general audiences, visit the Vatican Radio website, or download their free app for your iPhone or Android.
