Faith in Action
Gilberto incorporates his faith into teaching by sharing both his experiences and vulnerabilities. His early days in youth ministry taught him that Christ’s strength is revealed in human weakness. This lesson carries into his academic work, where he emphasizes giving witness to Christ through authenticity. “I share my faith and failures because giving witness to Christ is essential to teaching Christian theology,” he says.
Inspiring Growth in the Classroom
For Gilberto, the most significant transformation in students is their shift from focusing solely on piety to embracing justice and liberation as central components of Christian spirituality. “Many students come thinking spirituality is about prayer and devotion,” he explains. “At CTU, they learn that it also includes mercy and justice.” This realization inspired his book, Beyond Piety: The Christian Spiritual Life, Justice, and Liberation, which owes much to years of students sharing their stories of growth.
Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Theology
Navigating the polarized waters of the Church—between left and right, liberal and conservative—is a unique challenge. Gilberto believes teaching theology must focus on building communion within the Body of Christ. “It is especially rewarding when students connect Eucharistic devotion with being Eucharist for the people around them,” he notes.
Meaningful Projects
During his time in Rome, Gilberto collaborated on a contemporary interpretation of Giotto’s life cycle of St. Francis. This project, published as Il Santo Francesco: 28 tavole sulla vita di San Francesco, paired rewritten scenes from Bonaventure’s life of St. Francis with commentary and artwork. “It was a deeply meaningful collaboration that combined art, faith, and history,” he says.
Current Research
Gilberto is currently working on two books: one on the Marian spirituality of Sister Juana de la Cruz Vasquez Gutierrez for the Disruptive Cartographers series and another on Franciscan/Clarian Spiritual Formation. “Sister Juana’s sermons contain fascinating ideas on the priesthood of the Virgin Mary, which can enliven the priesthood of all the baptized,” he shares.
A Guiding Scripture
Gilberto finds his greatest inspiration in Philippians 2:6-11, often paraphrasing its message of kenosis, or self-emptying: “Jesus, even though he was in the form of God, did not deem equality with God something to be held onto; instead, he kenosis (emptied himself)” “The kenosis of Jesus is our calling,” he reflects. “Rather than railing against the world, we are called to empty ourselves of self-righteousness to give better witness to God’s reign.” Professor Gilberto Cavazos-González’s work at CTU and beyond exemplifies the power of faith, humility, and a commitment to justice. Through his teaching, research, and ministry, he inspires students to embrace a spirituality that goes beyond devotion and seeks to transform the world.
