[CWW]

Don't be ridiculous. There is a tendency toward pharisaical behavior in all practicing Christians, even the devout. Mass attendance, prayer life and reading the scriptures are wonderful and essential to preparing ourselves as Christians. But the question is how we put it into practice!? Christ's love must be written on our hearts and reflected in our actions.

The Pope is not targeting conservatives. He is merely asking us to elevate our game, so to speak - to work harder to bring Christ to all, especially those who don't know Christ. So stop being so defensive. Put on Christ. Be Christ to your fellow man.

[melsec]

He is talking to people who have all their theological ducks lined up in a row but don’t allow for the Holy Spirit to move them or for them to have compassion on others - why should this surprise you? Jesus saved his most savage criticism for those who should have known better. If the shoe fits take it to heart and do something about it - if not be grateful to God and know there are some who need to hear this message! These sort of message make me take a second look at my motivations - always a good thing to make sure I am doing the right things for the right reasons.

Blessings

Mel

[Steve_Seattle]

You know what was probably the main thing that drove me out of the church? Being scolded by the church in my thirties for believing things that the church taught me when I was growing up, while claiming that “church teaching has never changed.” The latest example - at the local church level - is the turnabout on homosexuality. I eventually said, “Screw that crap.”

[SuziQ]

Oh, I’ve know a few Catholics of the sort Pope Francis is describing, especially those who consider themselves ‘more Catholic than the Pope’, no matter which Pope it happens to be.

[aposiopetic]

The "who am I to judge Pope" is a veritable judgment dispenser, but all the judgments seem to be against Catholics who are at least practicing the Faith. For atheists, “gay people,” the divorced and remarried—essentially the whole sinning world—there is only talk of mercy, combined with condemnations of Catholics who follow Church teaching.

But he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required: and to whom they have committed much, of him they will demand the more. Luke 12:48

[Praxeologue]

“… they make themselves up like little holy cards, looking up at heaven as they pray, making sure they are seen…"

To my eyes, in the context of Pope Francis' words and actions, this is comment is clearly directed, as criticism, toward traditional Catholics.

[SkyPilot]

Meh.....who am I to judge?

[LadyDoc]

well maybe the Pope was talking to all the rich and corrupt Filipino politicians here who love to get photo ops attending church.

Come to think of it, maybe he’s also talking about Nancy Pelosi...

[ravenwolf]

My older brother would say if the shoe fits, wear it.

Jesus said to do good works, not just talk about them.

Every day and every where,not just in Church.

While Church is the place to verbally teach the Gospel of Christ, its out in the world that actions really count and will speak the truth.

1 John 3:18
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

[Rashputin]

I'm waiting on the, "with friends like these . . ." statement (or wolves in sheep's clothing, of course).

[pax_et_bonum]

Another Papal Scolding

“… they make themselves up like little holy cards, looking up at heaven as they pray, making sure they are seen…”

—Pope Francis, condemning Catholics (again)

---

This is not a condemnation; it is an observation.

I can’t help but wonder why Catholics, or any Christians for that matter, aren’t thankful for reminders, even criticisms, that we must never pause in our efforts to improve.

If a suggestion by the Pope helps me to look at myself and see my faults better, I’m glad to have the opportunity for improvement and the reminder that I’m far from perfect.