Thanks, Another Great one Msgr. Charles Pope
“And thus orthodoxy is ensured in and through Simon Peter and his successors. To those who object to this and who prefer democracy or consensus leadership, look to the confusion and silence that they produce in a situation like this and see that they are found wanting. If there are still concerns, talk to Jesus, who has set aside your preferences in favor of His own will and structure for the Church. The Church is hierarchical; fundamentally, Peter and his successors are its head. This generates the truth. All other approaches, no matter how popular or politically correct, fall short.”
Another Pointed part:
“Indeed, many today conceive of a fake, unbiblical Christ. To one degree or another, many have reduced Him to a harmless hippie who walked around blessing children, healing people, and if He said anything harsh at all, directed it toward the rich and powerful.
It is true that Jesus healed multitudes and consoled the afflicted, but He also spoke clearly of sin and warned of judgment and Hell. He demanded complete adherence to Him and His teachings without compromise. As we see in this Gospel and in many other places, Jesus demanded that we take up our cross daily in order to be His disciples and follow Him. Simply put, without the cross there will be no crown.”
Amen! “Yes, victories mount, many little things that add up to a lot. Taking up daily crosses builds leverage. Virtues are fed and they grow; vices are starved and they diminish.”
God Bless
Actually, the life of the church in the NT simply does not testify to it looking to Peter as the first of a line of infallible popes reigning supreme in Rome (nor does early history). Peter instead was the street-level, non-exalted, non-assertive leader among brethren, the first to preach to the Gentiles and use the keys to the kingdom (the gospel), and mentioned in particular as one who was married, and who wrote as one with a general pastoral role, yet was the only apostle to be publicly rebuked, and named 2nd one of the 3 who appeared to be pillars by Paul, after James who provided the definitive judgment in the controversy the ecumenical meeting in Acts 15 settled.
And submission to Peter is nowhere reminded or commended, despite the many commendations and commendations, nor are any preparations for a successor manifest. And whose ministry was eclipsed by Paul after that, and who did not come behind any apostle in power, and did many unique and other things expected of a pope.