Q’s from the Pews: Vol (5/9) What is the focus of Gaudium et Spes? September 8, 2025

Gaudium et Spes (Joys and Hopes) begins:

“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” In this document, GS asks that the Church be active in the modern world, addressing  all actions and institutions that affect mankind.  “The Second Vatican Council resolutely addresses not only the sons of the Church and all who call upon the name of Christ, but the whole of humanity as well…. Therefore, the world which the Council has in mind is the whole human family seen in the context of everything which envelopes it. “ The encyclical emphasizes the dignity of each human being as created in the image of God, urging equality, brotherhood, gift of self as opposed to self-promotion, and the fostering of peace and community.

GS gives us one source of human dignity, joy and hope: The incarnation which “in a manner known only to God offers to every man the possibility of being associated with this paschal mystery.” Thus, all the actions of man are defined by God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ. GS calls us to spread this truth.  “By virtue of her mission to shed on the whole world the radiance of the Gospel message, the Church stands forth as a sign of that brotherhood which allows honest dialogue and gives it vigor. Christians (shoulder) a gigantic task for fulfillment in this world, a task concerning which they must give a reckoning to Him who will judge every man on the last of days.”