“In order to avoid conflicts, they let the poison spread.”
“[i]t is true that the Church may never simply align itself with the “Zeitgeist” [spirit of the times]. The Church must address the vices and perils of the time; she must appeal to the consciences of the powerful and of the intellectuals, not to mention of those who want to live narrow-minded, comfortable lives while ignoring the needs of the time, and so forth. As a bishop [of Munich] I felt obliged to face this task. Moreover, the deficits were too obvious: exhaustion of the faith, decline in vocations, lowering of moral standards even among men of the Church, an increasing tendency towards violence, and much else. The words of the Bible and of the Church Fathers rang in my ears, those sharp condemnations of shepherds who are like mute dogs; in order to avoid conflicts, they let the poison spread. Peace is not the first civic duty, and a bishop whose only concern is not to have any problems and to gloss over as many conflicts as possible is an image I find repulsive.“
Pope Benedict XVI is a strong Pope. He knows that all Confirmed men and women are soldiers of Christ and as the Church Militant we must stand up and evangelize the Truth. We are to be brave and steadfast because as Confirmed Christians we have a renewal of the Spirit and Gifts to help us fight evils. Catholics have the Sacrament of Confirmation because we have valid orders and so we must answering our calling to be soldiers of Christ.
Otherwise, I think our Pope is correct in stating that if you do not then that is repulsive.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Allow your healing hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others. Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all. Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever. Amen. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Linear Mode
