There is a spirit of schism crouching at the door of the church. It's not hard to notice the growing trend among Catholics, laity and clergy alike, to criticize the current Pontiff, as if they somehow believed they have been appointed to police the Church. By whose authority? and what spirit is behind it? It is not only overt, as in some Catholic media organizations, but also by omission. In a parish close to me, there is a deafening silence - never a mention of him apart from the requirements of the liturgy. But if the Liturgy requires us to pray for him, as the one appointed by God to sit in the Chair of Peter, does it not set the standard? Is this not the true Church telling us how to act? Another distressing account was relayed to me of a Sister who wanted to invite some young people on a pilgrimage to world youth day. The pastor told her that "these young people are not fans of Pope Francis". What will the future Church be for them?
I never hear those committed to a deep and mystical prayer life criticizing the Pontiff. They know only too well how they will have to give an account of their words and also have the humility and wisdom to see the log in their own eye first. Their example and that of the Saints tells us we should pray and fast. As for me, I can't afford to waste my life in taking political sides when the salvation of my own soul is at stake, and that of those dear to me. That is what I must focus on in the short time allotted to me on this earth. Words spoken and written in love will be the only ones of value I will take with me to God.
We are very uncomfortable with the grey areas between the moral commandments of the Church that require the risk to exercise conscience and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis does venture into these areas. Rather we tend to hide behind regulation as if to justify ourselves as "good" Catholics, as if to wear our faith like a hat. That wont save us though any more than the handkerchief buried by the man with one talent saved him. To have faith we must risk, to love we must be vulnerable. I say nothing here about certain remarks made by the Pope that people jump on, either one way or the other, it's no my calling, but I do admire his openness to be vulnerable and somewhat like the first Pope - the apostle Peter, clearly full of a humanity that needs redemption. Pope Benedict too I admire deeply, and commit myself to his intercession.
The bottom line though is that you know a tree by it's fruits. The very same Catholics that criticize the current Pontiff are sowing he seeds for a schism, and yet unity is at the very heart of the gospel and the life of the Trinity. Do such people really have faith? If they did they would ret assured in the promise that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church (and has not done so in it's turbulent past) and get on with the urgent mission of inner conversion and the evangelization of lost souls and entrust their other concerns to God in prayer.
Amen!
I recently watched the video of when Pope Francis was elected. Before blessing the people he asked that the people bless him by praying for him. St. Peter square fell into a deep silence as everyone prayed for him.
Are you blessing the pope by praying for him with a pure heart?
I suggest that people go back and watch that video and rekindle their love for the Holy Spirit and the pope the Holy Spirit chose for us and for the times we live in.
I love your comment.
So, if I understand this week in Catholic news correctly, it’s confirmed that there is a large number of priests using hookup apps, a rapist concelebrated Mass at the Vatican, and the Germans are full fledged heretics, but the problem is the trads and the TLM
Hi MJ. Amen to that too.
Cardinal Sarah reminds us, “…to criticize the Pope is to be outside the Church.”
This article should be widely read.
Pope Francis as successor to Peter is humble and an example to all.
Wished his critics were more humble.
The Church is a field hospital delivering the love of God, charity, mercy, forgiveness, guided by the Holy Spirit to all of us. It is not a country club where the sound system is an echo chamber of criticism.
Pray with Pope Francis.
JAMES 4:11-12 – “Warning against Judging One Another” – “Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?
Reference: Good News Bible GNY
The pope is only infallible when he speaks “ex cathedral”, which has only happened a couple times in history. Popes are human and even the best ones have made mistakes—- and while we have no right to judge souls as a whole, Scripture tells us clearly we have a right to both judge and rebuke bad actions(and be open as well to the same fine to us— hopefully in the charity of truth).
The catchechism of the Church tells us the Church will go to Calvary. We also know from many prophecies that Satan will infiltrate to the highest level of the church, and that it has been the devil’s goal for centuries. We also know what St Faustina wrote in her diary #823 and #824–(dec 17, 1936— the birth date of Pope Francis), and how much she suffered that day after offering it for priests.. We also know how many bishop and cardinal appointments Francis has made who don’t believe much of what the church has taught. We also know the many seemingly contradictory words and actions we have heard and seen out of him. We also know that under Popes John Paul 2 and Benedict— there was pretty much none of this; it doesn’t take a genius to see this. We also know Pope Francis himself said he would probably be the one to split the church. I Grew up never questioning a pope, but something is clearly different right now, in a number of ways, and vigilance is at least as important as charity these days.
While I agree we should continue to pray for this pope– as the church teaches–and work to remove our own sins, -we also have to be aware of what’s happening. The parable of the 10 lanterns seems most appropriate right now. Charity and mercy are always good, but they must never be used to hide or obfiscate truth. The right move is to try to stay close to Jesus and Mary.
Your words suggest that there are only a couple of things that popes have said over the many years of the papacy that we need accept totally, which indicates that everything else they have said (or done) is subject to our individual scrutiny. That might work for some people I suppose. It certainly IS a whole lot of work to personally decide what is believable and what is not in the billions of things that popes have said and done all these years that are NOT “ex cathedral” as you say. That’s kind of like living constantly in distraction. As a cradle Catholic, I was raised to understand that there will be MANY things that I need to be willing to accept without understanding. They are called mysteries. It is called blind faith. It is the ability to know and trust that “God is in charge” when it comes to His Holy Church and that just because I don’t understand something that is said or done beyond my comfort zone, I should not take a seat on the jury panel and attempt to judge the pope. Rather, I pray that the Holy Spirit enlighten me to understand the intention and purpose of what is being said, which is for my good and the good of all God’s people. The many things that Jesus, Himself, had said over two thousand years ago are STILL being interpreted and understood in width and depth that defies human abilities. Lets keep in mind that Jesus did not “stay” dead. He not only arose again but sent the Holy Spirit to complete His mission, guiding the magesterium of the church, especially the pope!
Amen, Dennis Weber, this and much more. Thank you.
“The Devil, who is a most haughty spirit, is never more completely mastered than by humility of heart”
(The Maxims and Sayings of St. Philip Neri”)
One of the surest tests of true humility is the spirit of obedience ( Fr. Jacques Philippe).
Pope Francis is a humble Pope who ministers to the field hospital of humanity.
The first phrase that really jumped out at me was this one:
‘I never hear those committed to a deep and mystical prayer life criticizing the Pontiff.’
But how on Earth does the author know who has and who has not, ‘A deep and mystical prayer life?’ I mean how can he/she tell this? Has he/she some special charism or gift from to do so. Just to look at people and tell things about the depth of someones prayer life? How extraordinary! So if we look at people like the Papal Posse on EWTN, , Cardinal Burke, Bishop Schneider, Bishop Strickland and numerous other Bishops and Cardinals throughout the world that they do not, as a matter of fact, have a deep prayer life? I mean really? Isn’t this tantamount to saying that they are not good people?
Another thing that springs out is that this article is not signed. It is anonymous. Why? Why has the author not placed his/her name to it? What does it say about their conviction and confidence in what they write. Every time I see something anonymous my respect for the author and their writing plummets.
The author at once supposes that:
‘There is a spirit of schism crouching at the door of the church’
Really? How so? Does that mean simply to ask questions and discuss things is to be schismatic?
The author appears to have a very simple bottom line. If you ask questions you are bad. If you don’t ask questions and go along with things you are a good person of deep mystical prayer. Black hats and white hats. As simple as that.
‘Words spoken and written in love will be the only ones of value I will take with me to God.’
But has the author never heard of tough love. Of , for instance, the parents who have to evict their children from their homes. This is love too. To do and say what needs to be said and done. The Heavenly Father Sacrificed His only begotten Son. Love an be hard. Love can be tough. Love can be ruthless. It is not all pink fluttering butterflies and a pleasant scent.
[IMG]
Click on the about link Padraig. You’ll get a signature there and more besides.
Pope Francis is not my favorite and I believe he has committed heresy several times, only a foolish person would deny that. That being said only the authority of the church at a later time will determine that. Pope Francis is causing division and needs our prayers. We must stand with Rome and pray for our Pope, like him or not. Pray for the salvation of souls and peace to reign in our Church. The article it’s self, I found it weak and accusatory against people who stand up for truth, has an opinion opposite of the author’s and remain faithful and pray for the Pope. Judge a tree by its fruit, there’s a lot of bad fruit in Rome right now.
The Pope has a title ‘Servant of the Servants of God.’ which is to remind him of the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper when He washed the feet of the Apostles. He is not a dictator or the smartest man in the room. Francis has deviated from this path numerous times and it’s not our obligation to pretend we didn’t notice.
Placing an idol in a Catholic Church?
Allowing Chinese Communists to appoint Bishops?
Snuffing out the Traditional Latin Mass?
Claiming Communion may be received worthily by unrepentant sinners?
Laicizing Father Pavone while promoting Father Martin?
Thank you Steve. Those are the facts we can’t ignore.
hmmmm….I way I see it is that the leftists within the church are driving the schism….not the faithful. Are we not obliged to speak when we witness the gospel being distorted? I remind of what St. Paul said in the letter to the Galatians that “even if angels give you a gospel contrary to the one you have been taught, let them be accursed. Am I seeking the approval of God or man?” It is possible to critique with humility. If the Lord Jesus had this idea of unity, he would not have been crucified.
I heard Rev. Joseph Iannuzzi say in a podcast (Radio Maria – Learning to Live in God’s Divine Will) that in his opinion, (paraphrased) with Pope St. John Paul II we had a gifted philosopher, with Pope Benedict XVI we had a gifted theologian, and with Pope Francis we have a gifted pastor, who sees the church not as a fortress to be defended but as a field hospital. Priests should not be afraid to go out to the peripheries to seek the lost.
Mark 2:17: “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
We humans, *ALL* of us, make mistakes and Pope Francis is no exception. He reminds me of St. Peter:- A bit rough around the edges; says something before he thinks; a bit bombastic but he was chosen by Almighty God and who are we to criticise God the Father. We need to pray for Pope Francis and give him all our love, encouragement and prayers.
GOD BLESS OUR POPE FRANCIS, AMEN
The one initiating schism is Francis. He created issues with Amoris Laetitia and refused to answer for clarity. He created issues with banning the Latin Mass. He created issues with the secret agreement with China. He creates issues with those leftist bishops he surrounds himself with such as making McEloy a cardinal who is now spouting heresy. The German church is in schism and Francis is not stopping them. Francis has placed Cardinal Hollerich as head of the Synod on Synodality, and he has publicly stated views that are heretical. The list goes on and on. Jesus told us by their fruit we shall know them. There is a reason for this. We respect the pope and pray for him but there are also bad popes and antipopes. We don’t follow a pope like he is a dictator where we don’t shine a light where it needs to be shone. Should not the Pachamama be criticized for example? It was pagan worship. Francis never once apologized to the Church for this scandal. He only apologized to those who were upset because the pagan idol was thrown into the river. A pope’s first priority is to defend the teachings of the faith. This is what Catholics are in union with, the Truth of the teachings of the magisterium. You talk about being “uncomfortable with the grey areas between the moral commandments of the Church.” What? Jesus never went into “grey areas” in the moral teachings. He called adulatory for what it is. He called marriage for what it is. There is growing apostacy in our Church today where Catholics want the Church to succumb to the spirit of the world, and the truth is Francis is giving voice to them. The gates of hell will never prevail against the Church, but the Church will enter the final trial. This will be the result of apostacy from the truth, not from those seeking clarity of doctrine at a time when, as Cardinal Muller stated, there indeed looks to be today taking place a “Hostile Takeover of the Church of Jesus Christ …”
Thank you brother. In regard to grey areas, just one example is the requisite that there are 3 requirements to comit deadly or mortal sin.. Pope Francis alluded to that in the past and there is no conflict with church teaching here but it can involve pastoral risk in guiding someone. There are many other pastoral grey areas which the present Pope tries to address. He begged for prayers after his election knowing his own human weaknesses to express himself well. I believe he has alluded to his difficulty in expressing himself interviews. It is important to ask what someone means rather than what they said or did. It’s not an ideal situation to refer to this so much with a pontiff but perhaps God is calling us to poverty of spirit.
What I posted is about the discernment of spirits, not technical exactitude. For instance, what spirit would lead you to label people as leftists of otherwise. Is this not to pass judgement when people have one true identity as sons and daughters of God, whether they are faithful to that or not. The true enemy here are demonic powers. Souls are caught in the crossfire. Pray for them. I’m sure you woukd not wish for one of them to go to Hell. Please don’t let anger overcome you. I will keep you in my prayers, please keep me in yours. Please you have the last word as I wont get into arguments which are the work of the demon. God and his Holy Mother Theotokos be with you.
Hugh, thank you for your loving reply to Allen, as the concerns that he made need to be acknowledged at the surface level, but also addressed on the spiritual plain, in as much as the battle is far beyond human grasp, as you so eloquently pointed out…
I’d like to share about how Amoris Laetitia essentially saved my life nearly two decades before it even became an encyclical in the early time of the current papacy…
I am a suicide survivor. What that means is that I actually attempted to take my life, not once, but twice. I saw absolutely no reason to live anymore resulting from a very stormy marriage ending in eventual divorce and losing everything that to mattered to me…
At the time I was steeped in alcoholism and addiction and there were so many things about my past that lay hidden to my view due to very early childhood trauma of which I honestly had no awareness …
When the mother of my four teenage children was suddenly killed in a car wreck (now 32 years ago this week), it became my task to go to the schools and inform my kids that there mother was dead. That day was without a doubt the darkest day of my entire life; and yet…it perhaps would become the “brightest” day as well. How so?
The reason that it could be called perhaps a brightest day is because at long last – I was “clean and sober” (barely 2 1/2 months) at that time of this incident and with the help of the (God-given) AA recovery program, I managed to cling to sobriety as I walked through this very challenging time in my life…
When I eventually returned to the Catholic Church after a very long hiatus (as part of doing step 11), there was a priest who lovingly “accompanied” me through some very tumultuous spiritual battles that ensued in my sobriety as he met with me every single week for a number of years. It was this “accompaniment”, during which he encouraged me to take communion even though I was steeped in certain (habitual) sexual sin that would ordinarily be deemed “serious matter” that ultimately saved my life and (perhaps) my very soul…
In due time, with his loving help, I was given the ability to actually “live” the serenity prayer that is popular in many recovery programs…gaining the strength to “accept the things that I could not change, changed the things that I could” – all the while relying on the wisdom of that priest to “know the difference” (as the prayer says) at a time that I could not possibly know it myself. You see?
That priest was essentially applying the spirit of Amoris Laetitia to a soul that was so lost that only that sort of love and accompaniment could have rescued it. Over the course of time, I was eventually able to discern for myself as to when to refrain from taking communion as that former habit became more manageable…
I seriously doubt that I would have stayed in the Catholic Church very long (long enough) for this miraculous healing to take place were it not for he wisdom (and courage) of that very loving priest.
In fact, I might have eventually went back to drinking and the result “would” have been catastrophic for this poor sinner. Over the course of time, with the help of some great professionals in mental health, I was able (over many years) to open up and face the (Pandora’s box) many dark places of my childhood trauma…largely due to my own dad’s alcoholism and its effects on my early life!
May God be praised for my personal rescue…and for the countless others who are presently in desperate need of a loving “field hospital” that is needed so much today! May God bless you and your ministry as well!
Thankyou John. I takes a lot of humility to share your story like that. God bless you abundantly.
Hugh, thank you for your loving reply to Allen, as the concerns that he made need to be acknowledged at the surface level, but also addressed on the spiritual plain, in as much as the battle is far beyond human grasp, as you so eloquently pointed out…
I’d like to share about how Amoris Laetitia essentially saved my life nearly two decades before it even became an encyclical in the early time of the current papacy…
I am a suicide survivor. What that means is that I actually attempted to take my life, not once, but twice. I saw absolutely no reason to live anymore resulting from a very stormy marriage ending in eventual divorce and losing everything that to mattered to me…
At the time I was steeped in alcoholism and addiction and there were so many things about my past that lay hidden to my view due to very early childhood trauma of which I honestly had no awareness …
When the mother of my four teenage children was suddenly killed in a car wreck (now 32 years ago this week), it became my task to go to the schools and inform my kids that there mother was dead. That day was without a doubt the darkest day of my entire life; and yet…it perhaps would become the “brightest” day as well. How so?
The reason that it could be called perhaps a brightest day is because at long last – I was “clean and sober” (barely 2 1/2 months) at that time of this incident and with the help of the (God-given) AA recovery program, I managed to cling to sobriety as I walked through this very challenging time in my life…
When I eventually returned to the Catholic Church after a very long hiatus (as part of doing step 11), there was a priest who lovingly “accompanied” me through some very tumultuous spiritual battles that ensued in my sobriety as he met with me every single week for a number of years. It was this “accompaniment”, during which he encouraged me to take communion even though I was steeped in certain (habitual) sexual sin that would ordinarily be deemed “serious matter” that ultimately saved my life and (perhaps) my very soul…
In due time, with his loving help, I was given the ability to actually “live” the serenity prayer that is popular in many recovery programs…gaining the strength to “accept the things that I could not change, changed the things that I could” – all the while relying on the wisdom of that priest to “know the difference” (as the prayer says) at a time that I could not possibly know it myself. You see?
That priest was essentially applying the spirit of Amoris Laetitia to a soul that was so lost that only that sort of love and accompaniment could have rescued it. Over the course of time, I was eventually able to discern for myself as to when to refrain from taking communion as that former habit became more manageable…
I seriously doubt that I would have stayed in the Catholic Church very long (long enough) for this miraculous healing to take place were it not for he wisdom (and courage) of that very loving priest.
In fact, I might have eventually went back to drinking and the result “would” have been catastrophic for this poor sinner. Over the course of time, with the help of some great professionals in mental health, I was able (over many years) to open up and face the (Pandora’s box) many dark places of my childhood trauma…largely due to my own dad’s alcoholism and its effects on my early life!
May God be praised for my personal rescue…and for the countless others who are presently in desperate need of a loving “field hospital” that is needed so much today! May God bless you and your ministry as well!