Posted on 04/13/2005 9:30:29 PM PDT by Cato1
Yes. Let's. If Ratzinger starts retrenching, he will NOT be following in the footsteps of JPII.
Retrenchment would be to go back to the liturgies and theology of the 60s and 70s.
What then of the Magi, the Wisemen of the Gospel? They came to honor Jesus, the newborn, with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Very precious gifts for a baby. We Catholics have a special devotion to the baby Jesus born out of that tradition. We humble humans can't begin to imagine the glory of heaven, so when we depict Jesus and His Mother and others in heaven, we use symbols of wealth and honor and glory that we are familiar with to honor and express our love for them.
Devotions like that of the Infant of Prague are not required beliefs for Catholics, but are meant as aids to assist in worship and contemplation of all that Jesus and God the Father have done for us, the depths of their love for us and are part of the tradition of the Church and have her approval. As a deacon, surely you know this. And as a deacon, you can help the faithful around you by encouraging whatever aids their faith so long as it is approved by the Church we love and serve. Not mock their beliefs in Church approved endeavors.
Would Jesus wear the crown? Jesus the humble carpenter of Nazareth might not have. But Jesus who appeared to select apostles at the Transfiguration surely would have been seen in all his glory and in terms that the apostles would have clearly understood as glory.
Lovely picture of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Pyro, also one of my favorite devotions.
This man, Pope Benedict XVI, is not, and should not be considered, a carbon copy of JP II or a clone of anyone else. So what if he doesn’t follow in the “footsteps” of any man? He is his own person and now sits in the Chair of St. Peter. If you read The Ratzinger Report (Messori, Ignatius press) you will find that he has no desire to "retrench" or go backwards on much of anything. He does, however, fully comprehend certain transgressions which have occurred since VatII. He also has strong concerns about various liturgical aberrations which were never intended by the Council and realizes the damage that has occurred by challenges to Church doctrine.
I hope Pope Benedict takes all actions necessary to correct these wrongs. One thing worth noting is that he is very much a known quantity. He has been very explicit on his views and positions -- in his writings. His orthodox views as they pertain to the faith, have many catholic liberals, especially in America, worried. While he is known to be decisive, he is also known to be humble. A great combination.
His strong devotion to Mary and his heavy reliance on prayer will surely sustain him in his awesome responsibilities.
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