Tenderness is the path of courage, of solidarity, of humility, and of commitment. Tenderness is the measure of our humanity. When we lose our tenderness, we begin to lose an essential element of ourselves and our capacity for goodness, for compassion, and for meaningful connection. Tenderness, says Pope Francis, is "the path of choice for the strongest, most courageous men and women. Tenderness is not weakness; it is fortitude. It is the path of solidarity, the path of humility." Are we courageous enough to let our worth be measured in terms of our tenderness? Are we courageous enough to choose the way of tenderness?
1. Both St. Francis and Pope Francis ask us to examine and critique our consumption and consumerism, especially the throwaway culture that our materialism breeds.
2. Both St. Francis and Pope Francis are concerned about our being overly focused on individualism instead of concentrating on the well-being and advancement of everyone, especially those at the margins.
3. Both St. Francis and Pope Francis would want us to consider how we are ordering our lives: is God (and what God wants for our world) our true focus?
4. Both would want us to throw off our indifference and allow ourselves to be constantly moved by God's love for us, so that we could manifest that same love to others.
5. Both St. Francis and Pope Francis would want us to consider how we can show love through our actions. St. Francis became one in love and solidarity with the poor and outcast, and Pope Francis is calling for "a new and universal solidarity" founded upon tenderness.