I came across this quote, supposedly from Pope Jean Paul II on 6 Dec 2000:
“All who live a just life will be saved even if they do not believe in Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church. The gospel teaches us, those who live in accordance with the beatitudes, the poor in spirit, the pure of heart, those who bear lovingly the sufferings of life, will enter God’s kingdom. All who seek God with a sincere heart, including those who do not know Christ and his Church, contribute under the influence of grace to the building of this Kingdom.”
Did he really say that? If so, does anyone know the context?
But I think it reflects his vision of a merciful God.
Pretty straightforward Catholic thought, you have an issue with it?
To live in accordance with the beatitudes is a gift, not an accomplishment.
The rest is not so much of a problem for me. A Buddhist monk undertook a "meritorious" work, to fund a production of the major Buddhist Scriptures. Three times, as he amassed almost enough money to do this great thing, there was a natural disaster, a famine, flood, what have you. Three times he gave up his project and donated the assembled funds for relief.
Now I don't know about the state of his soul, and it's not my business. But I do know that when I undertake some piddly project and it doesn't come out according to my 'vision', I remember that monk, and offer the little I foolishly pretend to have to God. That's certainly God calling me to grace, and using the story of that monk as the stick with which to hit me on the head (which I so sorely and so often need.)
So I envision the "contribute under the influence of grace to the building of this Kingdom.”
I don't see how the monk could have done it without God moving his heart, I don't see how I would know it, and recognize God's prompting me to self-oblation without God moving my heart.
But I DO wish Popes wouldn't say stuff like that some times, I confess ...