Living the
Gospel of Life -- Study Guide
Paragraph Three
Reflection
In his encyclical letter
The Gospel of Life, John Paul II observed that we need more of a
"contemplative outlook" in our daily life. He explains,
"[W]e need first of all to foster, in ourselves and in others, a
contemplative outlook. Such an outlook arises from faith in the God of life, who
has created every individual as a "wonder" (cf. Ps 139:14). It is the outlook of
those who see life in its deeper meaning, who grasp its utter gratuitousness,
its beauty and its invitation to freedom and responsibility. It is the outlook
of those who do not presume to take possession of reality but instead accept it
as a gift, discovering in all things the reflection of the Creator and seeing in
every person his living image (cf. Gen 1:27; Ps 8:5). This outlook does not give
in to discouragement when confronted by those who are sick, suffering, outcast
or at death's door. Instead, in all these situations it feels challenged to find
meaning, and precisely in these circumstances it is open to perceiving in the
face of every person a call to encounter, dialogue and solidarity. It is time
for all of us to adopt this outlook, and with deep religious awe to rediscover
the ability to revere and honour every person…"(n.83).
A simple distinction between the "ideals of utility" about which our
bishops warn, and the "contemplative outlook" described by the Pope, can be seen
in two ways we can look at a tree. We can see it and begin calculating how much
lumber or paper can be produced from it. Alternatively, we can look at the tree
and be moved by its beauty and praise its Creator. There is a place for both
ways of looking at the tree, but our problem today is that there is no balance
between the two.
The following list, showing how much Americans spend each year on various
pleasures, puts numbers on the "consumerist excess" mentioned by the bishops.
Peanuts $1 billion yr. (National Peanut Council)
Popcorn $1.2 billion yr. (Nielsen Marketing Research)
Chewing gum$2.3 billion yr. (National Assoc. of Chewing Gum Manufacturers)
Cookies $3.4 billion yr. (Nielsen Marketing Research)
Potato chips $4.6 billion yr. (Nielsen Marketing Research)
Movie box office receipts $4.8 billion yr. (Academy of Motion Pictures)
Candy $6 billion yr. (Nielsen Marketing Research)
Ice cream $10 billion yr. (Int. Ice Cream Association)
Soft drinks $30 billion yr. (EPM Communications)
Restaurant dining $173.8 billion yr. (National Restaurant Association)
Beer $50 billion yr. (Beer Institute)
Legal gambling $300 billion yr. (Discovery Channel, Cronkite Report)
Pet grooming $175.3 million yr. (Pet Industry Joint Council)
Cat furniture $23.5 million yr. (Pet Industry Joint Council)
Terrarium heaters $37.7 million yr. (Pet Industry Joint Council)
Dog snacks $39.3 million yr. (Pet Industry Joint Council)
Licensed sporting goods $2.2 billion yr. (The Licensing Letter, 1993)
Guns and ammunition $10 billion yr. (National Rifle Association)
Non-beer alcoholic beverages $39 billion yr. (Beer Institute)
Cosmetic products $27 billion yr. (Drug & Cosmetic Magazine)
Lawn & Garden Products $6.1 billion yr. (Better Lawn & Garden Products)
It is not the intention of the bishops to call for an
outright rejection of the "marketplace" but rather to call for balance and a
proper hierarchy of values. We do have boundaries, actions do have consequences,
and our obligations to one another call us to a life focused on others
rather than on ourselves.
Discussion Questions
What are some examples of "self-absorption, indifference, and
consumerist excess" that have become problems in our society?
What are some ways we can foster a "contemplative outlook" in our families,
Churches, and schools?
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