tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post5196607411733625947..comments2024-02-24T12:12:53.249-05:00Comments on Catholic in Brooklyn: Pope Francis and Sharing the Eucharist with Non-Catholics: A Lesson in EvangelizationCatholic in Brooklynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-88220525837616112892016-01-26T20:24:47.306-05:002016-01-26T20:24:47.306-05:00TO ALL of you, I say only this:
"For God so ...TO ALL of you, I say only this:<br /><br />"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16 <br /><br />"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" - Acts 16:31<br /><br />Stop arguing semantics. <br />Jesus died for us, all of us sinners.<br />ALL of us.<br />Believe, truly believe on Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.<br /><br />God's word does not say that a person must be Catholic, Protestant, Mennonite, Jewish, or anything else.<br />ALL WE NEED TO BE, is a human being who BELIEVES.<br />That's it; nothing else <br /><br />Nitpicking at this or that, or on this person or that, only furthers the Devil's work in dragging the human race that much more AND that much faster.<br /><br />Can you not see this?<br /><br />As has been since God created man, we are allowed our own opinions and have or own wills, as individuals.<br /><br />But please, please, do not use them in judgement of others for what they do or say. The only 'nitpicker', the only judge, is God, and when you do those things it only serves to increase negativity and strife, NOT bring people closer to God.<br /><br />Let others have their opinions and express their own thoughts and views, for it is only part of being human. And, therefore, you will be showing love towards your brothers/sisters in Christ.<br /><br />I'm not Catholic so I don't know the rules or guidelines under which the Cathlic Church, and its many denominations, operates. However I DO know that NO human being is perfect - Im not perfect by ANY means. And by tearing down/picking-apart things here and there regarding those chosen to be leaders of ANY religion or church only serves to cause more strife. <br /><br />I know that by living by Jesus's example we can stave off the Devil, and begin to heal the hurt and angst which is so prevalent in our world today.<br /><br />Did Jesus ever point fingers at people and scream from the rooftops (which, if He were here today, would be the news, or internet) about negative things people have done? <br />Or would He have forgiven them, quietly?<br /><br />Would Jesus have condemned the ignorant people (those who don't know, understand, or care)? Or would He have spoken to them gently and patiently taught them?<br /><br />Would He be brash, crass and borderline-rude to someone whose opinion(s) clashed with His own? Or would He listen to them with patience, understanding, respect and, sometimes, empathy, then kindly, respectfully and WITHOUT challenge express His own opinion(s)?<br /><br />Remember, it's not about claiming your station within whatever religious community you are in or whatever theological/scientific community you are in.<br /><br />It is about believing The Word, believing on Jesus, listening to God's chosen (such as the Holy Father) and living by Jesus's example and God's Commandments.<br /><br />We are all sinners. I am a sinner. But we should not continue to speed up the Devils work by using our will to make choice which do so. <br /><br />By His sacrifice we are ALL saved, if we BELIEVE. <br />If you believe, follow Jesus's example and alĺow for different feelings and opinions WITHOUT putting the person down or arguing.<br /><br />Sorry, C, if I offend anyone by this but I just ...it hurts me every time I see people arguing about stuff, especially when our Holy Father gives such a shining example of loving one another, no matter what.<br /><br />:DWwAngelwWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356627665798768465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-18231257996494310502016-01-26T19:18:10.405-05:002016-01-26T19:18:10.405-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.WwAngelwWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356627665798768465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-18624356682818313662016-01-26T19:10:18.617-05:002016-01-26T19:10:18.617-05:00Thank you so much for your kind words. :)
I fol...Thank you so much for your kind words. :) <br /><br />I follow my heart, and my gut, in all things. Why? Because when I feel those 'pang*'s, I feel it is from God, telling me which direction to go or not to go - what to believe and see or not to believe or see.<br /><br />Each time I see or hear an article or news story featuring the Holy Father I get some serious pangs. His views, and candidness, are so refreshingly needed these days and it is MY hope that his difference from other Popes will be the open-door that so many around the world NEED - and were searching for - in order to let the Savior into their hearts and lives.<br /><br />Too many have suffered without Him. Too many are still suffering. There is too much in our world today which is negative and bad, including slanted-viewed media reports and those who live for exposing controversy etc. The fact that here in the USA we no longer recite 'One nation, UNDER GOD....' in our Pledge Of Allegiance in schools screams just how far we, as humam beings, have fallen. Too many people go to extremes regarding 'freedom of religion', as granted to us by our Constitution, and in the process we have managed to push God OUT instead of ALLOWING us the freedom to GLORIFY Him in our own ways!<br /><br />I remember reciting the Pledge every day, without fail, during my schooling all the way through high school. I remember the day our news reported certain religious groups claiming being offended because their children felt they were FORCED to recite the 'under God' passage. I remember the day it came on the news that they'd agreed with those groups and therefore removed the recitation of the Pledge from all schools. And I remember feeling physically ill about that. Why? I cannot tell you because I do not know. I just remember feeling ill and extremely, almost unbearingly, sad. And I couldnt explain that at the time, nor can I now, except to say that in my mind I felt like we were on a speeding train going downhill, FAST.<br /><br />And here comes Pope Francis. And I am not Catholic, but it was like the brightest, strongest light bulb went off in my heart and head, which I cannot explain either. EVERY WORD HE UTTERS makes SO MUCH SENSE. And they're UNDERSTANDABLE to even the most religiously-young people.<br /><br />I know it's impossible but I have the hope that one day I might meet and speak to him. And thank him. I know the odds are infinity-1 againt that ever happening. I'm just one of a billion who hope for the same. But I cannot explain it - this 'pull' in my stomach is strong. He is God's vessel, chosen BY God, and I can only pray that people listen and heed the messages and examples he sets forth. <br /><br />I fear our humanity depends on it VERY much, right now.<br /><br />So much more I can say but I dont want to hog your page, so to speak, but I adore the Holy Father and have very high hopes for religion as a whole now. And thanks be to God for bringing him to us!WwAngelwWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356627665798768465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-40415308395757133852015-12-31T04:03:46.100-05:002015-12-31T04:03:46.100-05:00Thank you for sharing your story. I find it inspi...Thank you for sharing your story. I find it inspiring that your suffering has brought you closer to God and to a deeper faith. Unlike many others, your only agenda seems to be to follow the truth no matter where it takes you. You display that beautiful childlike trust that we all need. <br /><br />And thank you for your comments about the Holy Father. Evertyhing he does and says has as its ultimate aim to lead us to Jesus Christ. I find it so tragic that many who claim to be Christians cannot see that. Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-351566991089605552015-12-30T19:08:03.642-05:002015-12-30T19:08:03.642-05:00After reading a Nat.Geographic article on The Virg...After reading a Nat.Geographic article on The Virgin Mary, and subsequently turning to the WWW for photos of Juan Diego's tilma upon which She inprinted Her image, I happened upon this blog.<br /><br />CIB, I must let you know first off that I was raised Presbyterian and that I've attended services in many denominations of Houses of Worship; Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Mennonite, Amish, non-Denomination, Southern Baptist and Pentecostal, to name a few.<br /><br />Though I cannot define WHY, only one thing has temained a constant in my heart: a deep, inexplicably powerful and strong adoration for the Pope which began the moment I matured enough to fully understand who/what the Pope IS.<br /><br />From scientific to Biblical to Hollywood-borne to non-ficticious investigations, Religion and Jesus and The Blessed Virgin have undeniably moved and deeply intrigued me. NOT to prove or disprove, but to LEARN. A feeling of 'I've been there' is persistant, so much so that no matter where I worship it never 'feels right' as much as it does when I am alone, quiet, in prayer.<br /><br />I do not know anything about this Bishop you all are arguing about. I BARELY know details about Pope Francis. But never - EVER - has a Pope moved me to tears. Never before have I sat glued to my TV while awaiting the news that the world has a new Pope. Never have I ever had to pause while reading about the new Pope, in entire Nat. Geographic issue devoted to him. And never EVER before have I felt hope for the faithful, for humanity, and for religion as a whole, as I do with Pope Francis as our Pope.<br /><br />I am only 1 woman. I am, in all rights and respects, a nobody. In God's eyes, I'm somebody but, here on earth and in the world's eyes, I'm only 1 of billions of blips on the radar of life. But through my life's trials and joys I've never wavered from my belief that God exists and Angels walk the earth. <br /><br />Jesus died for me and in Sept.'85 I gave my life to Him. In 1987 I almost died; I believe I stayed alive to continue to spread His word. In 1990 my 2nd son was born and in 1991 my daughter was bron. In 1997 my youngest was born. All of my children were seen laughing, 'playing' and smiling at/with who I believe to be our Guardian Angel: my 1st son. My Granddaughter also was seen doing the same, with my 1st son - and now my mother as well - and now my kids believe without a doubt that His Angels exist, also! <br /><br />In 2011 I was, almost, medically dead. A traumatic accident and the ensuing complications from surgery caused me to 'bleed out'. I do not remember anything - approx. 6 days worth - but what my kids and Dad told me: that 2 more surgeries and 8 transfusions brough me back. What I DO remembers is feeling confident in my Doctors and Nurses and completely calm anout the future. After a year I felt the same calm when I told them to just take my leg. I bawled like a baby when I told my wound-surgeon my decision because I thought I had somehow failed him and his team regarding saving my leg. When he and his team called me their hero, I broke down. I didn't, and still don't, feel like one. <br /><br />And whenever people - friends, family, strangers - say that I'm their hero and how I'm 'one heck of a strong lady', you can ask anyone in my family and they'll confirm that I only give one answer:<br />My strength came from God, my faith kept my head above water, and He is the hero, not I.<br /><br />Pope Francis' message of love, faith, unity and humanity transcends beyond anything scientific or 'proving' or earthly things. I'm still alive, I cannot explain the things which have befallen me nor the decisions I have made. But I CAN testify that while God's purpose for me being here still isn't clear, it IS clear my journey isn't complete. And no matter whether I'm Catholic or not, Pope Francis has been sent by Him to guide us ALL in faith and in love .<br /><br />Thanks for listening, and may He bless you and your richly in the New Year and beyond.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />~~~Angel (Kristine)WwAngelwWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356627665798768465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-34301273665333767292015-12-29T02:47:23.558-05:002015-12-29T02:47:23.558-05:00We are going in circles, and it is obvious that fa...We are going in circles, and it is obvious that facts mean nothing to you. If you want to believe, like Bishop Scheider, that you don't need to listen to the Holy Father, then have at it . II choose to listen to the one to whom the keys of the kingdom have been given. Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-916796210796957682015-12-29T00:13:01.569-05:002015-12-29T00:13:01.569-05:00CIB<>
Dear Lady! I'm afraid there is a...CIB<><br /><br />Dear Lady! I'm afraid there is a problem with this admission. i.e. you --left and right-- level accusations at and say you have every right to judge traditionalists because you were once one. Now, it turns out, your traditional self was never interested in putting up roadblocks to people reconciling with the Catholic Church...but that still doesn't stop you from breezily accusing Bishop Schneider of engaging in that sheer evil. On what basis? Your only retort is for me to re-read your original post or read an old post which not only yields no basis for your original calumny, but itself contains at least one additional, baseless, accusation--presumably for me to start chasing down so I'll forget about the former!<br /><br />Regarding your other accusation: Bishop Schneider condemns Novus Ordo Catholics to hell....well, I have news for you. I'm a Novus Ordo Catholic. I may have attended five Latin Masses total. Zero since 2009. So you are saying he says my family and I are going to hell for that? Thankfully, I don't need to chase down too many rabbit holes on this one. I've read Bishop Schneider's interviews and essays religiously since 2008 when he convinced the Holy Father to reintroduce kneeling for Communion. I've not seen that anywhere in Schneider's statements! <br /><br />Forgive my bluntness, but I don't believe two, or even a million half truths can add up to one whole truth. You have accused Bishop Schneider of being evil. You should either <br />a)prove your accusation, or <br />b)have the integrity withdraw it.<br /><br /><br />Kneeling Catholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797815971446807261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-83805895102014171182015-12-27T15:31:09.908-05:002015-12-27T15:31:09.908-05:00I would ask that you go back and read my post agai...I would ask that you go back and read my post again, and see how wise Pope Francis was in talking to the Lutheran woman. This is a woman who wants very much to be able to partake in communion with her Catholic husband, and is asking for a way to do so. All Catholics know that only Catholics in a state of grace can partake in Holy Communion. Pope Francis wants her to get to that point, and how does he do it? He emphasized the beliefs Catholics and Lutherans share in common, emphasizing their common baptism, the fact that both religions believe in the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis did all he could to build the bridge that this woman needs to walk to get to the Catholic Church. She is the one who has to make the final decision to walk that bridge, but the Holy Father made it as accessible to her as he could.<br /><br />How does Bishop Schneider propose the Holy Father approach this woman? He believes it is very important to emphasize the great differences between the two churches:<br /><br /><b>"Bishop Schneider was similarly forthright about the issue, saying the Church must be “very clear with the Protestants, not hiding anything.”<br /><br />“We read in the Second Vatican Council document that real ecumenism is not irenicism, but sincere dialogue in which we hide nothing of our identity.” He added that any gesture which is “not clear, not sincere, and ambiguous will never help true ecumenism” on “every level.”<br /><br />He said “pastors and shepherds” have to be “very careful” in their pronouncements not to “create ambiguity and confusion among the people,” leading them to believe that “Catholic and Protestant doctrine are basically the same, with only minor differences.”<br /><br />“This is not true. It does not respond to reality or to the Gospel. All the truths of the Catholic Church are the truths of the Gospel. And those Catholic doctrines which Protestants deny are against the Gospel. We have to speak clearly.”</b><br /><br />Certainly everything the bishop said is true, but is evangelizing all about telling other people that they are heretics and unless they immediately denounce everything they have held so dearly, they will go to hell? Or is it better to to do as the Pope does and tell her that she is basically on the right path, but she needs to pray earnestly to the Holy Spirit to show her the way to go? The Pope believes the Holy Spirit will lead her to the truth. Do you?<br /><br />Obviously Bishop Schneider does not believe that, as he tells us we don't have to listen to the Holy Father:<br /><br /><b>"Regarding the pope’s words to the Lutheran woman, he also said it’s important not to exaggerate the infallibility of the popes. In his usual gestures and expressions, the pope doesn’t intend to “oblige, or to impose” the faithful to believe what he is expressing.<br /><br />“I am convinced that Pope Francis is not against when someone says to him: ‘Holy Father, I do not agree with this expression. You have not said you oblige me to accept this, because it is not your intention to speak definitively. So we can be in a reverent dialogue with you to clear up these issues.’”<br /><br />He added: “I think we need to be in a climate of dialogue which is free of intimidation. Otherwise, this will be an atmosphere of dictatorship, and I think Pope Francis does not like to be considered as creating an atmosphere of inquisition, dictatorship or persecution of someone who expresses reasoned thoughts and opinions.”</b><br /><br />As I wrote, Bishop Schneider has many times now condemned his fellow bishops. Is that building bridges? You say he is "encouraging" traditionalists. Well, it is a bit more than that. He has made it very clear that he believes the only true Catholics are traditionalists, and the rest of us are headed on the road to damnation.<br /><br />When I was a trad, I never consciously thought I was putting up roadblocks to others. But my constant judging and condemnation of anyone who didn't believe exactly as I did was one of the worst roadblocks of all. Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-82360655076591816912015-12-27T00:10:05.121-05:002015-12-27T00:10:05.121-05:00Dear C i B!
With all due respect, you have change...Dear C i B!<br /><br />With all due respect, you have changed the subject. Allow me a recap: <br /><br />1.You accused Bishop Schneider of wanting to put up obstacles to reconciling people to the Catholic Faith/Church.<br /><br />2. I asked you for proof and <br /><br />3. you give me this? Him giving words of encouragement to traditionalists? I really don't understand. How does that keep anyone OUT of the Church!!? Robert Hughes Benson, a favorite author of Francis', once made the point that 19th Cty Anglo Catholicism allowed the Church of England to re-connect with many of the lower classes i.e. smells and bells attract people, especially the poor. I'm afraid your proof is a non-sequitur.<br /><br />Furthermore, I highly doubt that you, even when you were in your most judgmental-traditional phase, or any of your little cabal of mantilla wearing -[as the Holy Father would dub you]- 'parrot Christians' were ever wanting to keep even one sinful soul away from the Catholic Faith. <br /><br />But let me, for the sake of argument, grant that you were. It still doesn't follow that just because YOU were scheming to keep certain people away from Church, that therefore ALL and EVERY traditionalist must also be in on it.<br /><br />I'm sorry, but if you are going to convince me that Athanasius Schneider is in on your old obstacle scheme, then you are going to have to do better than that! Otherwise,it might be better to admit that--in your zeal-- you misspoke.Kneeling Catholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797815971446807261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-2977426088538344732015-12-26T14:09:58.754-05:002015-12-26T14:09:58.754-05:00I use to be a strong supporter of Bishop Schneider...I use to be a strong supporter of Bishop Schneider. I have attended a Pontifical Mass in which he was the celebrant, attended one of his talks, and have a personally autographed copy of his book. <br /><br />But that was back when I was a true blue traditionalist, believing that the TLM was the salvation of the world, and anyone who did not feel that way was basically a heretic. The reason I was drawn to Bishop Schneider is because he, too, is in complete lockstep with the traditionalist mindset.<br /><br />This past August I wrote a post in which I discussed Father Z's posting about an interview with Bishop Schneider My post can be found here, if you would like to take a look at it:<br /><br />http://catholicinbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2015/08/father-z-tells-traditionalists-they-can.html<br /><br />As I pointed out in my post, in that interview, Bishop Schneider condemned his fellow bishops and other hierarchy in the Church, and told traditionalists that they were the salvation of the church. Read his comment:<br /><br />"I would like to say to these priests, seminarians, young people and families: “It is an honor and a privilege to be faithful to the Divine truth and to the spiritual and liturgical traditions of our forefathers and of the saints and being therefore marginalized by those who currently occupy administrative power in the Church. <b><i>This your fidelity and courage constitute the real power in the Church. You are the real ecclesiastical periphery, which with God’s power renews the Church.</i></b> Living the true tradition of dogma, liturgy and holiness is a manifestation of the democracy of the Saints, because tradition is the democracy of the Saints. With Saint Athanasius I would like to tell you these words: (cf. Letter to his flock)”.<br /><br />""Those in the Church who oppose, humiliate and marginalize you, have occupied the churches, while during this time you are outside; <b><i>it is a fact that they have the premises – but you have the Apostolic Faith.</i></b> They claim that they represent the Church, but in reality, they are the ones who are expelling themselves from it and going astray." <br /><br />Personally, I think it is unconscionable that a bishop of the church should be basically telling laity that they have not only a right but a duty to rebel against the hierarchy of the Church, for this is exactly what he is saying in this quote. He is telling trads that they constitute the real church and all who disagree with them are a great false church which must be rejected. And he uses the words of a great saint to back up his point, which is a great dishonor to St. Athanasius. <br /><br />It is not our duty and certainly not our right to rebel against the hierarchy of the Church, and most certainly not against the Magesterium. Bishop Schneider further proves that he is against his fellow bishops by giving interviews to radical traditional websites such as Rorate Coeli, and to bomb throwers like Michael Voris. <br /><br />I understand that Bishop Schneider was appointed by Pope Francis, and I think it is great that the Holy Father reached out to him in this way. But that does not change the heretical and scandalous nature of his words.Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-4579781368573618062015-12-26T08:00:16.744-05:002015-12-26T08:00:16.744-05:00...also..just remembered....Bishop Schneider was n......also..just remembered....Bishop Schneider was not long ago appointed by Pope Francis, to be--alongwith Cardinal Brandmuller-- to be the Pope's emissaries in reconciling thousands of SSPX to the Church.<br /><br />Really!! How can you say he is trying to keep people out?Kneeling Catholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797815971446807261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-8605772819180355812015-12-25T21:04:00.024-05:002015-12-25T21:04:00.024-05:00Merry Christmas to you and yours, C in B!
If it i...Merry Christmas to you and yours, C in B!<br /><br />If it is not too late-and I cede to your judgment if it is- I would like to revisit your attack on Bishop Schneider. You said he is more interested in putting up obstacles to people returning to the Church. Perhaps you jumped to a conclusion? Perhaps not....just kindly tell me what it is you are talking about. Maybe I am wrong about the man?<br /><br />In his defense, I know he is very concerned about Muslims and how Catholic irreverence towards the Eucharist presents a damaging witness to Muslims-his diocese is 70% Muslim- who DO know the difference between things that are holy and things that aren't. What am I missing?Kneeling Catholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797815971446807261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-79608013313679258082015-12-24T08:14:59.213-05:002015-12-24T08:14:59.213-05:00Well!! That part about me being a sinner is certa...Well!! That part about me being a sinner is certainly true! Thanks for the reminder!<br /><br />Also forgive me for not wishing you a Merry Christmas. Tomorrow, Christmas day,I'm sending my two teenage daughters off to see his Holiness. If you would say a little prayer for their safety I would be much obliged!<br /><br />I certainly intend to respond to your valiant defense of the his Holiness' puzzling ways. Just not on this happy occasion.Kneeling Catholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797815971446807261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-71303128507900321812015-12-24T05:06:53.091-05:002015-12-24T05:06:53.091-05:00If you had been a Jew living in the first century ...If you had been a Jew living in the first century with Jesus Christ, you no doubt would have accused him of generating confusion and fog. Telling people that they needed to eat his body and drink his blood, refusing to condemn a woman taken in the very act of adultery, ignoring the rules of Judiasm such as the ceremonial washing of hands, picking corn on the Sabbath, socializing with non Jews and known sinners. And calling Himself the Son of God, saying He is the Way, the Truth, the Light.<br /><br />My point is that the reason you find Pope Francis "confusing" is that you are listening to him with preconceived ideas. You feel you know all the answers and so if he doesn't give those answers and act the way YOU think he should act, then he is wrong. And there is little doubt you would have done the same with Jesus Christ. Everything Pope Francis does and says has the goal of leading people to Jesus Christ. If you can begin to think in those terms, instead of making your own preconceived ideas of right and wrong the goal, you will start to understand the Holy Father, just as First Century Jews would have understood Jesus Christ if they had looked beyond their rules and regulations to the love and mercy that was in all of Jesus' actions and words. First Century Jews could not understand Jesus Christ because they filtered everything he said and did through their own personal ideas of right and wrong instead of allowing Him to teach them. <br /><br />You have made yourself judge and juror of Pope Francis instead of listening honestly and with a mind open to truth and love. That is why you find him "confusing" instead of realizing he is a very holy man filled with the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-47974418058416241192015-12-23T22:52:53.722-05:002015-12-23T22:52:53.722-05:00Dear C in B!
I really don't think you are pri...Dear C in B!<br /><br />I really don't think you are privy to Bishop Schneider's internal motivations! Certainly not if you think he is trying to put up obstacles. I think the man only wishes that the Holy Father's words would generate insight rather than confusion and fog! If you are correct in your interpretation of Francis' words, then you are kind of alone in being right. That per se proves that he doesn't speak very clearly. Or maybe he does....<br /><br />In 2014 he was reported to have called an Argentinian woman-- shacked up with a married man- and told her: 'a little bread and wine do no harm'. Do you accept this as genuine Francis talk? It sounds pretty genuine to me. <br /><br />Or do you see it as genuine and genuinely good counsel? As you might guess I think his verbiage alone reflects a rather flippant attitude towards the Holy Eucharist.<br /><br />Kneeling Catholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797815971446807261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-91891145252602021832015-12-02T04:18:16.080-05:002015-12-02T04:18:16.080-05:00Again, the key to understanding this is to actuall...Again, the key to understanding this is to actually read the Pope's words and see them in context and not listen to all of the hype.<br /><br />Bishop Palmer was an Anglican bishop whose wife converted to Catholicism and who raised his kids as Catholics. He would actually go to Catholic Mass every Sunday with his family before going to the Anglican church. As he said, his ministry was about establishing full unity between the Protestant and Catholic churches. As Bishop Palmer explained: “[Bergoglio] told me that we need to have bridge-builders. He counseled me not to take the step because it looked like I was choosing a side and I would cease to be a bridge-builder.” As can be seen from this statement, Cardinal Bergoglio at that time felt Palmer could do far more good in bringing people to the fullness of the truth in the Catholic Church as an Anglican than as a Catholic. <br /><br />As Pope Francis explained to the Lutheran woman, even though he was not officially Catholic, Bishop Palmer died a "just man", probably more Catholic than many who are baptized members of the Church. He was even given a Catholic funeral. <br /><br />The lesson we need to learn from Pope Francis is that we can't tell God how to work. We must always remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and follow His lead. The example I have given so many times is the ancient Israelites who were led out of Egypt into what seemed a sure death trap between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army - sure death either by drowning or Pharaoh's army. Yet, this was God's great plan to show his salvation to the Israelites by dividing the Red Sea and allowing the Israelites to escape. As God says, my ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts (Isa. 55:8).Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-82340030257905501532015-12-01T19:30:34.897-05:002015-12-01T19:30:34.897-05:00You don't find it concerning that a cleric of ...You don't find it concerning that a cleric of the Universal Church would council a non-Catholic not to become Catholic? He isn't even a REAL bishop like an Orthodox bishop would be. How is he bridge builder if he has no true Eucharist or Apostolic Succession?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12130549070424353467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-85416875570405152092015-12-01T05:06:52.644-05:002015-12-01T05:06:52.644-05:00I wonder if you actually read the pope's state...I wonder if you actually read the pope's statement or my post on his statement. If you did, you would know that the questions asked in the interview you cited reflect a complete misinterpretation of the Pope's comments. <br /><br />Nowhere did the Pope say that the Lutheran woman could receive communion in the Catholic Church as a Lutheran. In fact, he specifically said that he could not give her permission to do so. Nowhere did he tell her to follow her conscience. His advice was to go to Lord, which of course would mean to pray about it, and then to "go forward." Everyone immediately assumed that meant "go to communion." Again, that is NOT what Pope Francis said. <br /><br />Going forward means following the lead of the Holy Spirit and of the Head of the Church - Jesus Christ. Unlike those who criticize and misinterpret his words, Pope Francis obviously believes Jesus Christ when He said that if we seek Him, we will find Him. Pope Francis was telling the woman to seek Christ with a sincere heart, and she would find Him. If she is truly seeking Jesus Christ, Pope Francis knows that would eventually lead her to become a member of the Catholic Church, and then she could receive Communion with her husband. But he did not say that to her because that would set up roadblocks in her mind. He only told her the first part: seek the Lord and go forward. That is all she needs to know. If she is sincere, the rest will follow.<br /><br />Pope Francis was talking to a woman who was very well aware of the church's teaching - she has been married to a Catholic for many years. She wants to be united with her Catholic husband, but doesn't seem to want to leave the Lutheran church. Pope Francis was gently leading her in the right direction, one step at a time. That first step is: seek the Lord. He did not go any further than that, and that is the lesson we need to learn when engaging with those outside of the Church. The idea is to bring people to the truth, not turn them away. <br /><br />As far as the answers given by Cardinal Sarah and Bishop Schneider, I did find them revealing. Cardinal Sarah gave textbook answers to the questions. He recited the teachings of the church in response to the questions asked, and the answers were absolutely correct. I do find it very interesting that nowhere does Cardinal Sarah mention Pope Francis. He merely answers the questions posed to him, adding no editorial comment. The problem with this interview was not Cardinal Sarah but the questions, because as I stated, the interviewer showed a complete misunderstanding of the pope's statements. I would love to see the entire interview rather than the snippets we were given. <br /><br />With Bishop Schneider, we are not given direct questions and answers as with Cardinal Sarah. Bishop Schneider, unlike Cardinal Sarah, was all about editorializing. He does not tell us anything about the teaching of the church, only that we don't need to listen to the pope if we don't agree with him. With all due respect, Bishop Schneider doesn't know what he is talking about here. As I have shown, he has completely misread and misinterpreted the words of Pope Francis, and as a result, he is misleading all those who listen to him. Pope Francis wants to remove roadblocks to people coming into the church. Bishop Schneider, as are most trads, is more interested in putting up roadblocks. Evangelizing is all about leading people to Christ, not just setting everything up as black and white, my way or the high way. Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-15585135411899248882015-11-30T14:20:08.654-05:002015-11-30T14:20:08.654-05:00Uh oh, C in B: fundamentalist sighting - Cardinal...Uh oh, C in B: fundamentalist sighting - Cardinal Sarah responds to Pope's comment on interfaith communion.<br /><br />http://aleteia.org/2015/11/30/cardinal-sarah-and-bishop-schneider-respond-to-pope-francis-comments-on-intercommunion/<br /><br />I would say Cardinal Sarah is engaging in knee jerk reactions originating in his own prejudices. Perhaps he hasn't had time to read your blog. And we won't mention that horrid rad trad Bishop Scheider. Jane Galthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09284064166440602472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-321439754029364052015-11-22T18:36:37.162-05:002015-11-22T18:36:37.162-05:00
I do wish those who comment on Pope Francis or a... <br />I do wish those who comment on Pope Francis or anyone else would take the time to think about what is actually said instead of just giving knee jerk reactions which originate in our own prejudices. The Catholic blogosphere has become one big scandal, extremely dangerous to the faith. <br /><br />Thanks for your kind words, Terry. I do appreciate it.Catholic in Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714284710110785019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636389828900724226.post-61358683023215899732015-11-22T17:23:16.510-05:002015-11-22T17:23:16.510-05:00Well I must say, you have an excellent perspective...Well I must say, you have an excellent perspective on things - more and more I'm appreciating your insights. God bless you!Terry Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09819523933502820341noreply@blogger.com