“Who has the more pride, the one who criticizes Popes and bishops, or the one defends the clergy?”
tuTu,
Do you defend Cardinals Mahoney and Law? Bishops Weakland and Bernadin? Bishop Reggie Cawcutt of St. Sebastian’s Angels, etc?
You seem to be condemning me to the ranks of St. Paul, St. Athanasius and St. Catherine of Sienna. Thank you for the honor.
Do you find God so weak and confused that he would allow a mere man, of human nature alone, the power to destroy His Church?
The same Church he promised the Gates of Hell would not prevail against.
Do you find God so confused that he would instruct the Holy Spirit to inspire Cardinal electors to vote for this man who ostensibly had the power to destroy the Church?
We have been discussing the Bishops of Rome, so let’s stay on the subject. While you are right to bring up Bishops who strayed from their vocations and criticize them, there is a fine line. Also, although a Bishop by rank, the Pope enjoys the special blessings of the Holy Spirit and the universal Church.
Finally, I would never condemn Sts. Paul, Catherine, Athansius, or any saint for that matter. I am not presumptuous enough to consider myself in their league.
While we live in difficult times, with relativism, egoism, and the Enemy running wild, Our Lord will never abandon His Church. Tougher times have been had. We should be grateful we have not been to called to witness as martyrs.
We are blessed to live in a time of struggle, where our faith is called upon daily, even hourly, to strengthen us. We must stand strong against the horror of abortion, the decay of morality, and the destruction of the family.
Can we sustain our fight when arguing about which Pope is best, and whether Communion in the hand is valid? Can we sustain our fight when trying to one-up each other in knowledge or virtue?
You are right, pride is a terrible sin, and all succumb to it. Let us rally together, encouraging each other, to fight the Enemy. Let us work to present the face of Christ to all we meet.
Stay strong in your quest for virtue and Truth. Be confirmed in your desire to serve our Lord. May the sublime mysteries be made simple and your lot increased.
Pax tecum!