- Feb 5, 2002
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Sin does not grow sweet by majority practice; truth is not altered by a vote. The Church is not a political party.
A few weeks ago, I saw in an article in The New York Times the phrase “Pope Francis’s agenda for the Church.” The author approved of that agenda and was no doubt oblivious to the fact that, unless we are talking about governance, reform of abuses, and missionary work, an agenda for the Church is the last thing a pope should have. That is because the Church is not a nation, a business concern, a philanthropic society, or a big social club. Francis himself has said so. She is the Bride of Christ, and she is to follow Him and Him alone.
Of course, Catholics of all kinds would agree; but let’s tease out what that implies. Christ says He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and that no man comes to the Father but through Him. He does not say He is “one way among several.” He does not say He is “one method of regarding reality.” He does not say He offers “a lifestyle” that some people may find amenable.
Rather, He knows very well He is that sign of contradiction that the aged Simeon foretold. He says things He knows will cause many to turn away. “Will you also leave?” He asks Peter, who answers not by saying that he understands what Jesus has meant by eating His flesh and drinking His blood but by a kind of ultimate trust with no more earthly illusions to it. “Lord, to whom shall we go?” says Peter.
Continued below.
crisismagazine.com
A few weeks ago, I saw in an article in The New York Times the phrase “Pope Francis’s agenda for the Church.” The author approved of that agenda and was no doubt oblivious to the fact that, unless we are talking about governance, reform of abuses, and missionary work, an agenda for the Church is the last thing a pope should have. That is because the Church is not a nation, a business concern, a philanthropic society, or a big social club. Francis himself has said so. She is the Bride of Christ, and she is to follow Him and Him alone.
Of course, Catholics of all kinds would agree; but let’s tease out what that implies. Christ says He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and that no man comes to the Father but through Him. He does not say He is “one way among several.” He does not say He is “one method of regarding reality.” He does not say He offers “a lifestyle” that some people may find amenable.
Rather, He knows very well He is that sign of contradiction that the aged Simeon foretold. He says things He knows will cause many to turn away. “Will you also leave?” He asks Peter, who answers not by saying that he understands what Jesus has meant by eating His flesh and drinking His blood but by a kind of ultimate trust with no more earthly illusions to it. “Lord, to whom shall we go?” says Peter.
Continued below.
The Church Is Not Ruled by a Plebiscite
By Anthony Esolen - Sin does not grow sweet by majority practice; truth is not altered by a vote. The Church is not a political party.
crisismagazine.com
