Or the Catholic Twilight Zone.
So what else is new? When I returned to the Church and the Sacraments so many years ago, I returned to pretty much the same divisive atmosphere which exists today. At that time nearly everyone seemed to be against the Pope. Progressive Catholics rejected Humanae Vitae, while Marian mystics claimed a real pope couldn't do and say the things Paul VI was doing and saying, and allowing - therefore the idea that he had been replaced by an impostor was propagated. Dumb as it sounds, it captured the imagination of many devout people. The same people - and/or their kids - are driven by the same fears today. When St. John Paul II came along, it seemed it was mostly the so-called 'liberals' who bad mouthed the pope - although those who were against Vatican II had their doubts as to why he didn't do more to cleanse the temple of modernists. Then Benedict XVI came along, the very traditional were more favorable - but not without reservation. Predictably, the liberal-progressive anti-papists completely misread him - until Pope Francis came along. Now everyone seems to misread Francis.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I guess the big, I mean BIG, surprise for me was in realizing that in terms of practical unity, say as opposed to actual unity - as in one, holy, etc - the CC is pretty much as un unified among its members as Protestantism. I've had to come to terms with that. That is to say, I guess I haven't. Still, it's the place of our Eucharistic Lord so I guess I'm stuck with it.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteMe three!
DeleteMe four!
DeleteI'm ignoring & avoiding the Papal Pundits - on any side - and focusing instead on working out my salvation with fear & trembling.
Me also Larry, for some time now.
DeleteIn fact, what I do know I mostly know via Terry; genuinely true that. Though I did read your newish blog yesterday but mostly yes, what I know of the divide n squander is all Terry's fault.
The very last bit is said with a fraternal wink.
DeleteYou guys are a bit harsh. The Catholic Church is the family of God. People of all types...sinners and saints. The Eucharist is the summit of Catholic life. The true presence of Jesus Christ...body, blood and divinity. The glory of God is ever present in the great mercy and love He extends to our family. He invites all men of every stripe...salvation is only found in the truths of the Catholic Church. This is what we profess at every Sunday Mass. Is it messy...yes...but isn't every large family? Welcome to the imperfect made perfect in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer.
ReplyDeleteI think we are on the same page here.
DeleteHarsh? Naw; realistic and very grateful. Realistic in the way you've mentioned, cheechchong. And again I say, grateful. Same page.
Delete