Trepidation
For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
-1 Cor 1:11-13
It has been n interesting week. We have a new Pope. God bless him, keep him and guide him in the time he has as our Holy Father.
I have to confess to a degree of trepidation. After the last years of Pope John Paul and the years of bishops and priests playing fast and loose with sexual morals, liturgy and theology, it seemed as though we had a gentle pastor who would secure the passing on of the Faith in continuity with the Faith of our Fathers and who would be firm in ensuring that clerical (and lay) morals would be reformed, that the liturgy would be celebrated with dignity and that theology would be in line with mind of Christ and His Church.
I grieve the loss of Pope Benedict from the public life of the Church (though it may be that his private life of prayer brings fruits we are unaware of) and feel vulnerable to the wolves who will no doubt roam again, thinking they have carte blanche to live in accord with the mores of the world, to abuse the liturgy and play games with the the Faith. But I have to have trust in the Shepherd the Lord has given us. I am oddly stirred by his desire to be a Church of the poor (we have always been that, whatever our detractors may say). I will not say "I am for Benedict" or "I am for Francis". I will say "I am for Christ" and I will be obedient to His Vicar.
That said, Benedict set us on a road of dignity in liturgy, strength in good morals and joy in the Truth of the teaching of His Church.
I am fearful, but still filled with joyful hope.
-1 Cor 1:11-13
It has been n interesting week. We have a new Pope. God bless him, keep him and guide him in the time he has as our Holy Father.
I have to confess to a degree of trepidation. After the last years of Pope John Paul and the years of bishops and priests playing fast and loose with sexual morals, liturgy and theology, it seemed as though we had a gentle pastor who would secure the passing on of the Faith in continuity with the Faith of our Fathers and who would be firm in ensuring that clerical (and lay) morals would be reformed, that the liturgy would be celebrated with dignity and that theology would be in line with mind of Christ and His Church.
I grieve the loss of Pope Benedict from the public life of the Church (though it may be that his private life of prayer brings fruits we are unaware of) and feel vulnerable to the wolves who will no doubt roam again, thinking they have carte blanche to live in accord with the mores of the world, to abuse the liturgy and play games with the the Faith. But I have to have trust in the Shepherd the Lord has given us. I am oddly stirred by his desire to be a Church of the poor (we have always been that, whatever our detractors may say). I will not say "I am for Benedict" or "I am for Francis". I will say "I am for Christ" and I will be obedient to His Vicar.
That said, Benedict set us on a road of dignity in liturgy, strength in good morals and joy in the Truth of the teaching of His Church.
I am fearful, but still filled with joyful hope.