Posted on 09/01/2016 9:01:47 AM PDT by amorphous
Let's face it...we could do with far less as a society. We don't need all the conveniences of the modern world, the cars, the two-story houses, TVs, computers, smartphones...we could do with much less.
But much less would mean that those jobs and industries might go away. And we'd have a great deal more people to feed, clothe and house. The poor would be truly poor, because there wouldn't be nearly as much disposable income with which to care for them.
A few months ago, I went to confession, and confessed (among other sins) that I detest Pope Francis and believe (sincerely) that he is either a lunatic or an evil man who is deliberately leading the Catholic Church astray. I confessed that I find it nearly impossible to pray for Pope Francis as a human being because I dislike him so intensely. I expected the priest to upbraid me for being arrogant and incorrect in my assessment of Pope Francis. Well, the priest obviously said that I am compelled to pray for Pope Francis and that I am not allowed to foster hatred towards him, either in my own heart or among other people. He also reminded me that we never know the full picture when it comes to anything going on in the world. However, I got the distinct impression from the priest — who, I assure you, was not letting me off easy regarding any of my sins, including those related to my feelings about Pope Francis — that he did not think I was crazy regarding the Pope. In fact, the priest told me that there are times when the Church needs her friends more than other times, and sometimes that is on account of its own leaders.
So, fellow Catholic freepers, don't lose heart: you are not alone when it comes to how you feel about Pope Francis. A friend of mine learned a bromide from AA: “Hit him with a prayer, not a chair.” I used to think that was dopey, but as I type this, I am resolving to say and Hail Mary for Pope Francis every time I read something about him that irritates me. (Oy vai, am I going to be saying many Aves)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.