And Francis pointed out that although some do not like to admit it: those who are closest to the heart of Jesus are sinners, because He goes to look for them, calls them and heals them, while those who are in good health do not need a doctor: “ I have come to heal, to save." - Pope Francis
I'm reminded of John Paul I when the Holy Father says such things.
Today lay people are better catechized, more involved in Church affairs - parish activities such as RCIA and social outreach, they are pedigreed with Religious Ed certificates, as well as theological degrees, and so on. Stop and think how many husbands and wives working ordinary jobs with academic degrees in philosophy and theology or religious studies - just from Steubenville alone. A priest friend made note of that in a conversation last summer, when he told me he was going to have some meetings with his teachers and would give them Sherry Weddell’s book “Forming Intentional Disciples”. He praised his people for their knowledge of doctrine and Church teaching, but expressed the fear they do not pray... that the faith was perhaps too cerebral. He said pretty much what both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis have said.
We can argue and debate about the faith. We can blame one another for the crisis. We can gage one another's orthodoxy and liturgical practice. We can spot liturgical abuse. We can make ourselves inquisitors and reveal the errors of others - day in and day out. We can stand our ground, go to the wall when we are attacked. But do we know what the Pope is talking about?
A lot of people on line say they don't.
The Pope concluded his homily reflecting on how some saints say that one of the ugliest sins is distrust: distrust in God. “But how can we be wary of a God who is so close, so good, who prefers the sinful heart ?" . This mystery – he said - is not easy to understand with intelligence, but with the help of these three words: "contemplation, proximity and abundance” because God "always wins with the superabundance of his grace, with His tenderness ", with His wealth of mercy." - Vatican News
"But do we know what the Pope is talking about?
ReplyDeleteA lot of people on line say they don't.
Always good to ponder truly what Papa Francis is trying to say rather than read the rants online from those who would pretend to know more than he does.
I was talking to our Pastor about this on Saturday and he was in agreement that prayer and discernment is needed when wanting to understand what our Holy Father is saying and that it takes an open heart and an open mind to God since many are closed to the current pope just as many were closed to JPII and Benedict.
I pray to do my best to listen/pray always even if I lack understanding/courage.
The Pope concluded his homily reflecting on how some saints say that one of the ugliest sins is distrust: distrust in God. “But how can we be wary of a God who is so close, so good, who prefers the sinful heart ?" . This mystery – he said - is not easy to understand with intelligence, but with the help of these three words: "contemplation, proximity and abundance” because God "always wins with the superabundance of his grace, with His tenderness ", with His wealth of mercy." "
Amen!!
Hi Terry,
ReplyDeleteFrom everything I've read, lay people are not better catechized or more involved in parish life than their predecessors. Countless sodalities and lay associations disappeared in the 60s, as did the catechesis (which is now being slowly restored). Moreover, family prayer (especially the rosary) was common in the home, as was enthronement of the Sacred Heart, and daily mass was also better attended. Catholic men used to fill baseball stadiums to listen to Fr. Patrick Peyton and families used to gather around a tv to watch an archbishop philosophize. Those things are unthinkable today. I'm aware of the problems in the Church before the 60s--there are always problems in the Church--but people pray less and are less catechized today than previous generations.
Sorry to "point out the errors of others", but it is what is is...
Thanks Scott - I pick up the same notions from others online.
ReplyDeleteI must live in an extraordinary archdiocese and belong to an extraordinary parish then. In fact all the parishes in my area are very active and have strong religious ed programs - volunteers for just about every event are always available, we have an excess of EMHC's and social outreach volunteers, my parish has a mission in Haiti and so on. Full Catholic school as well. Masses are packed, financial support excellent.
Just recently there was a huge Archdiocesan conference Restore Catholicism - sold out from what I heard. Of course the last Argument of the Month Club boasted 600 men in attendance. These things all during the biggest scandals in the archdiocese history.
I must be seeing the world through rosary colored glasses then. :)
Don't forget the thousand people who have completed or begun the Catechetical Institute; a 2-year program of catechesis with attendance required.
ReplyDeleteATDP - I accidently removed your comment. My apologies.
ReplyDeleteNan - thanks for adding that - we also have NET ministries and very active Third Orders.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I could have clarified is that today we are better educated but many not correctly catechized. That's being fixed, as you say Scott.
ReplyDeleteMore to the point - you can't blame the sheep for the failures of the shepherds.
As my priest friend pointed out, his teachers know the faith, but something is missing. The Pope is talking about that. Forming Intentional Disciples is talking about that. Rediscover Catholicism is talking about that.
We need priests who know this, who know how to minister to people, not blame them or complain about them. Lay people have been abused long enough, don't you think?
The disciples of Jesus had difficulty in knowing how to pray. One had the sense and the courage (mind and heart) to say to Jesus. “Lord, teach us to pray...”
ReplyDeleteIt was a most humble approach.
Jesus gave them this advice: “When you pray, go to your private room and, when you shut your door, pray...”
Pope Francis said last week: “It is one thing to pray, and another thing to say prayers.”
I’ve lost count of the times Our Lady, in her Medjugorje messages, has called for her children to “pray with the heart”. Some say she talks too much, that she is repetitive, but I think she has good reason to keep reminding us to “pray with the heart”.
She also says that all answers can be found in prayer. I’m guess she may be directing her words to the people blessed with intelligence but who are reticent to allow the heart take over when it comes to prayer.
They say that great minds think alike. But I was educated at a school whose motto was “Heart Speaks unto Heart.” :)
Terry, my parish sounds much like your parish. Over 3,000 families (not parishioners - f a m i l i e s) and is what sprung Cardinal Dolan to boot. Just sayin' ... ;)
ReplyDeleteThis struck me in your post: "but expressed the fear they do not pray.." You and I are so often on the same wavelength. I've been concerned about the nature of worship for about a year or more; and not just what constitutes authentic worship communally, but personally. Going deeper, I realize I'm great at 'saying my prayers,' but am I really praying? I'm afraid of prayer. I'm afraid of what He's going to ask ... that He's not going to affirm the direction I'm going and take me by the belt to a place / direction I don't want to go. Make me give up the things I want to do (even if they're objectively good).
This next phase of my life is going to be a deeper discernment on such things.
Next Tuesday I start the "Called and Gifted" program, as laid out in Sherry's book. I'm trying not to go in with any preconceived notions of what I think God is leading me towards - keeping my heart free of attachments and personal desires, so that He can write His will more clearly upon it. I'm excited, yet also a bit...well, fearful isn't the word. Perhaps expectation is a better one. if I trust God, then there is nothing to fear - He will show me the purpose and reason for having created me, and it will be up to me to say "Yes Lord". Or not.
ReplyDeleteSo please pray for me as I start this period of intentional discernment. I think I know what God has in store for me, but I have to guard against superimposing my will. It's hard for me - ask God to give me detachment and abandonment.
Larry - you are called and gifted - I admire you very much.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
You are very much in my prayers, please remember me.
Thanks.