At an event on November 24 at the Omnes Forum of the Universidad de Villanueva de Madrid, Jacques Philippea prominent French Catholic author, shared profound reflections on spirituality in the contemporary world. More than two hundred people were immersed in the fundamental question: Do we need God? The meeting was sponsored by the CARF Foundation and Banco Sabadell.
In addition to his inspirational talks, Jacques Philippe is acclaimed for his literary work on the spiritual life. With influential titles such as Inner freedom, Time for God y The spiritual paternity of the priestPhilippe offers practical and profound insights into faith and the interior life, guiding countless people toward a more intimate relationship with God.
Jacques Philippe's reflections on the absence of God are poignant. "To turn away from God is also to turn away from the source of truth" he explains, offering a clear perspective on how this absence affects us greatly. This is why he invites us to reflect on the importance of maintaining a living connection with God, even in moments of apparent darkness.
Emphasizing the need to constantly seek God's presence and trust in His love and mercy to find hope in our lives.
In a society marked by secularization and the emergence of new spiritualities, Jacques Philippe recognizes the phenomenon of individualism and loneliness that characterizes the contemporary world. He observes how each individual tends to construct his or her own beliefs and to move away from the idea of a shared faith that unites the community as a single family.
This is why Philippe advocates an openness to religious community and the shared search for God as a source of spiritual fulfillment and human connection.
Jacques Philippe defends the need for God and his mercy in a world increasingly marked by individualism and atheism. He points out the lie of atheism, and uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate how, once God is rejected, the possibility of finding mercy and forgiveness is eliminated. Philippe describes how the absence of God leaves man alone with the weight of his mistakes, without the possibility of receiving the forgiveness that only God can grant.
In this context, he highlights the importance of returning to God and finding the grace and mercy that only He can offer, stressing the importance of returning to the Gospel and rediscovering divine fatherhood as an antidote to human pride and loss of meaning.
Philippe addresses the complex exercise of human freedom in the absence of the presence and love of God as Father. Pointing out that, without this divine guidance, we can fall into two extremes: total irresponsibility, where everything is permitted and responsibility for actions is not assumed; or excess of responsibility, carrying the weight of life and decisions in a solitary and distressing way. Highlighting the tendency in today's society towards these extremes, where immense freedom coexists with the lack of spiritual guidance and objective truth.
It underscores the importance of God's role as Father, not to restrict freedom, but to help us discern and exercise our freedom in a way that benefits us and our neighbor. God offers us a light in the midst of the uncertainty and loneliness that characterize the contemporary world.
Next, Jacques Philippe encourages us to reflect on the importance of Kingdom hope as a transformative perspective on daily life. It highlights how living without the certainty of eternal life can make existence feel cramped and heavy, with the feeling that every missed opportunity is irretrievable.
Philippe emphasizes that the hope of the Kingdom offers an infinite horizon of possibilities and freedom, even in the midst of life's responsibilities and challenges. He uses the example of the good thief at Jesus' crucifixion to illustrate how even the most unsuccessful life can be transformed into achievement with the hope of the Kingdom and God's mercy. For at any moment God can bring salvation and renewal to those who trust in his mercy.
The Importance of Forgiveness in a Godless World
Jacques Philippe presents us with how living in a world without God and without mercy can lead to generalized anguish and harshness in human relationships. It highlights how a lack of faith hinders forgiveness, since the wrong received is perceived as irremediable.
He discusses how faith in God's mercy is fundamental to making forgiveness possible, as it provides the hope of healing and salvation for both the wrong that has been done and the wrong that has been suffered. And he warns us about the risk of hardening ourselves against others when we remove God from the equation, which can lead to anger and lack of inner peace.
A successful life is not defined by material possessions, but by glorifying God's mercy and love, which is always possible with faith in His transforming power.
One of the most significant challenges in today's world is the difficulty in accepting ourselves. Philippe stresses that God's loving gaze upon us is fundamental to our self-acceptance. By embracing our fragility and accepting His love, we find a freedom to love ourselves and others.
Jacques Philippe reminds us that, in the midst of the internal struggles of the modern world, the presence of God and His merciful love are our greatest comfort and hope. As we welcome God into our hearts, we find the confidence and joy that come from His eternal love.
With these words, Jacques Philippe gives us a light of hope in times of uncertainty, reminding us that, even in the darkest moments, God is present and His love and infinite mercy never abandons us.
