Don Guido Mazzotta, a prominent figure in theological and philosophical circles, recently engaged in a profound conversation at the Pietà parish hall in Lamezia Terme, Italy. Drawing from his book, “Per solo amore” (For Love Alone), Mazzotta explored the core tenets of Christian life, emphasizing the importance of love, freedom, and a genuine commitment to faith. This wasn’t a dry theological lecture, but a relatable dialogue prompting introspection and practical application in the lives of believers today. Mazzotta, deeply rooted in the Lamezia church community, serves as a tenured professor of metaphysics and philosophical theology, and dean of the faculty of philosophy at the Pontifical Urbaniana University.
Mazzotta challenged the audience to embrace Christian life not as a set of rules, but as a response to a fundamental question: “Do you love me?” – the same question Jesus posed to Peter on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias after the Resurrection. This question, Mazzotta argues, is at the heart of authentic faith.
Reconciling Body and Soul: A Christian Perspective
Addressing the challenges faced by Christianity in a secularized Western society, Don Guido tackled the complex relationship between body and soul. He cautioned against the false dichotomy often presented, emphasizing that such a separation is fundamentally opposed to Christian thought.
Alt text: Don Guido Mazzotta and Don Emanuele Gigliotti in conversation at the Pietà parish hall.
The Church Fathers, Mazzotta explained, viewed the flesh (“carne”) as pivotal to salvation. Our relationship with our bodies becomes the arena where our freedom is expressed. Challenging distorted portrayals of Christianity that pit body against spirit, Mazzotta referenced Thomas Aquinas, portraying humanity as the intersection between matter and spirit. Re-evaluating the dignity of the body as established by God’s design is essential to align with the Church’s long-held view on the relationship between soul and body. This concept of the body needs re-evaluation, recognizing its inherent dignity as established by God’s divine plan.
Love and Freedom: Intertwined in the Christian Journey
For Don Guido Mazzotta, love and freedom are inextricably linked. He differentiated between “lesser freedoms,” such as daily choices, and “greater freedoms” that address life’s fundamental questions: “What direction do I want to give my life? To whom do I want to dedicate myself?” True freedom, he asserted, is exemplified by Jesus Christ’s complete self-sacrifice. We achieve freedom to the extent that we love by giving ourselves fully. Every walk of life is called to holiness, to the realization of freedom through complete self-donation. Mazzotta defined marriage as an “event of freedom” that should be celebrated within the Eucharist, representing Christ’s ultimate gift to humanity.
Prayer as Listening: Seeking God’s Voice in Our Lives
Mazzotta redefined prayer, suggesting it is not merely “talking to God” or attempting to manipulate God with our arguments. Instead, it’s about allowing God to speak to us, letting His Word permeate every aspect of our existence. Through prayer, we are called to find traces of Jesus in our own lives, seeking guidance and understanding.
While acknowledging the significance of guilt and sin, Don Guido emphasized that “the true examination of conscience is allowing ourselves to be challenged by the Word of God more than by our own conscience.” It involves contemplating the question Jesus posed to Peter: “Do you love me?” because this is what truly matters to Jesus. Our response should mirror Peter’s: “You know everything, Lord. You know that I love you.”
A Tribute to Monsignor Azio Davoli: Fostering Community
Don Guido Mazzotta, who also served pastorally in the Pietà community, paid tribute to Monsignor Azio Davoli, recognizing him as “a priest who innovatively promoted community life among priests, recognizing that we can achieve little alone,” a few months before the twenty-fifth anniversary of his passing. According to parish priest Don Emanuele Gigliotti, “Don Guido contributed to the formation of a generation of young people who distinguished themselves in the church and the world. Don Guido summons consciences to commitment in history, without bureaucratizing paths of faith, but activating solid formative paths. This is also why some have called him a ‘sycamore carver.'”
Conclusion: Embracing a Life of Love and Freedom
Don Guido Mazzotta’s insightful reflections provide a framework for understanding and living a fulfilling Christian life in a complex world. By emphasizing love, freedom, and a genuine connection with God’s Word, Mazzotta inspires individuals to embrace their faith with passion and purpose.
