The NCR commentary has a point, but inadvertently points out the reality that the Catholic Church in the USA and around the world is in an internal schism more so now than in the 1970’s. At least the papal Magisterium of Saint Pope Paul VI understood that some of the elements that entered the Church after Vatican II were not of the Holy Spirit but of the Evil One, Satan or Lucifer, pick your favorite name. It ain’t holy.
Pope Paul VI insisted that the changes Vatican II was making were discipline, like the change in the order of the Mass, the expansion of “churchy” roles for the laity, the change of habits and how religious life is lived. Nothing of doctrine or morals already defined by the Church could or can change and Humanae Vitae, a crowning encyclical of Paul VI confirms it.
Yet the NCR commentary wants to glorify schism and give something to every Catholic’s desire in the cafeteria:
Are we aligned with Tyler, Texas, Bishop Joseph Strickland or San Diego Cardinal Robert McElroy? Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister or the late Poor Clares Mother Mary Angelica, founder of EWTN? Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone?
To say we know it all and we hold all truth is to undermine the freedom and liberating energy of the Holy Spirit.
A beauty and strength of the Catholic Church is our big tent. At some non-Catholic churches I have attended, it is obvious political perspectives are very much aligned. I have been to Catholic parishes where it is just as obvious theological and political views represent center, left and right.
2 comments:
NCR supports evil and secularism, not a serious publication
I read it a couple of times to test if my initial reaction that it is dissembling nonsense was correct. I am afraid that I am getting soft as I age because my initial reaction wasn’t strong enough. It leaves the reader with the disorganized rubble of Hagan lio! And waives goodbye as it departs. It introduces several strawmen, related and nearly identical, that various interests and concerns are either mutually exclusive or equally valuable. It is very frustrating.
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