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JPII: Church's Social Work Is Not Political, Gospel Message Must Accompany Aid
Zenit ^ | Zenit

Posted on 10/22/2002 8:50:25 AM PDT by Polycarp

Church's Social Work Is Not Political, John Paul II Says

Gospel Message Must Accompany Aid, He Tells Brazilian Bishops

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 21, 2002 (Zenit.org).- The social work carried out by the Church, especially among the poor, cannot be reduced to simple material or political work, says John Paul II.

When the Pope met Saturday with a group of bishops visiting from northeast Brazil, he reminded them that a bishop's first mission is to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, without which the work of the Church would be meaningless.

"As vicars and legates of Christ, you are called above all to offer a clear and vigorous proclamation of the Gospel," the Holy Father said.

He urged the Brazilian prelates not to have "reservations about associating the word of Christ to charitable activities by a misunderstood sense of respect for others' convictions."

"It is not an act of charity to leave brothers in darkness about truth," John Paul II stressed. "It is not an act of charity to feed the poor or visit the suffering by taking human resources to them but not communicating to them the Word that saves."

The Holy Father described the serious difficulties endured in northeast Brazil -- lack of employment, housing and health care; educational problems, social differences, and the presence of aggressive sects -- but he urged that pastoral action not be reduced "to the temporal and earthly dimension."

"It is not possible, for example, to think, of the challenges of the Church in Brazil by limiting oneself to some important but circumstantial questions, related to social policy, the concentration of land, the question of the environment, and others," he continued.

"To claim for the Church a participatory model of a political character, where decisions are voted on at the 'base,' limited to the poor and outcasts of society, but abstracted from the presence of all the segments of the People of God, would impair the original redemptive meaning proclaimed by Christ," the Pope warned.

On the contrary, "the fundamental mission of the bishop is evangelization, a task that he must carry out not only individually, but as Church," John Paul II stressed.

This mission is summarized in the triple mandate to "teach, sanctify and govern," he added.

The Holy Father acknowledged that the bishops of northeast Brazil must carry out the task of teaching in a cultural environment characterized by a high level of illiteracy, divorce, child violence, malnutrition, and superficiality promoted by some media.

In this ambience, the duty of the bishop is "to invite members of the particular Churches entrusted to him to accept in all its fullness the teaching of the Church in regard to questions of faith and morals," even if it means going against the current of the prevailing mentality, the Pope said.

In particular, this work must be done with young people -- a majority in Brazil's population -- promoting "the formation of a moral conscience, which must be respected as the 'sanctuary' of man alone with God, whose voice resounds in the intimacy of the heart," he added.

At the same time, John Paul II said, "remind your faithful that conscience is an exacting tribunal, whose judgment must always be conformed with the moral norms revealed by God and proposed with authority by the Church."

In this educational work, there must be a "return to the sacrament of reconciliation, unfortunately quite abandoned today, even in Catholic areas of your country," the Pontiff added.

In regard to "sanctification," the second mission of the bishop, John Paul II urged the prelates to highlight the two fundamental sacraments of Christian life: baptism and the Eucharist.

He said the living of the Eucharist, "source and center of the whole of Christian life," has two critical challenges in Brazil: on the one hand, the lack of priests and their unequal distribution, and on the other, the worrying drop in Sunday Mass attendance.

"It is evident that this situation suggests a provisional solution in order not to leave the community abandoned, with the risk of progressive spiritual impoverishment," the Pope emphasized.

"However, the incomplete sacramental character of these liturgical functions, carried out by persons who are not ordained, should induce the whole parish community to pray with greater fervor so that the Lord will send workers for his harvests," he said.

Lastly, the Pope focused on the bishop's mission to "govern." Above all, he must care for the priests, "especially when there is a delay in the fruits of pastoral work, with the possible temptation to discouragement and sadness."

"Many pastors do not have the feeling of working in an evangelical vineyard, but rather in an arid steppe," the Holy Father said. Yet, "the risen Lord walks with you and makes your efforts fruitful."


TOPICS: Activism; Catholic; Ministry/Outreach; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: catholiclist
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To: Catholicguy
You go on and believe you are righteous in your own works CG...you never needed Christ anyway..you have rome

1Cr 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

261 posted on 10/23/2002 1:32:56 PM PDT by RnMomof7
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To: RnMomof7
So Trent condemened Protestants but polytheism is fine..LOL Colleen if you can not see the faulty reasoning of that you have poor spiritual vision

Terri, how and when did polytheism come into this discussion? Who said polytheism is fine? Certainly no one I know.

262 posted on 10/23/2002 1:33:19 PM PDT by american colleen
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To: american colleen
The question was to whom the curses of Trent applied...the answer seemed to be only to the Protestants..MT was exempt when she said all ways to God were valid..

I am done here Mack declared me the winner:>)...I take victories where I can *grin* I just wanted people to think about the inconsistancy..

263 posted on 10/23/2002 1:36:36 PM PDT by RnMomof7
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To: fortheDeclaration
Hey, where have all the catholics gone?

Oh well.

Clean Up On Isle 7

BigMack

264 posted on 10/23/2002 1:37:43 PM PDT by PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain
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To: PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain
Becky, you might try this as well "No Salvation Outside the Church"

First, it has always been the belief of Catholics that it is possible (although not certain and perhaps not even easy) for those who, through invincible ignorance do not know the fullness of the Catholic faith, and yet live fully in light of the truth that they do have to attain eternal salvation. This is the teaching both of the Bible (see for example Acts 10:34-35 and Rom 2:26-29) and of the Church Fathers (I can provide you with citations if you like) and of the vast majority of Catholic theologians throughout Church history. It is very easy to demonstrate that this was the constant teaching of the Church both before and after Trent.

I'd just like to take this opportunity to say that Mother Teresa lived the beatitudes. I wish to God I had the grace to do with my life what she did with hers.

The Beatitudes
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matt 5:3-11 KJV).
265 posted on 10/23/2002 1:44:24 PM PDT by american colleen
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To: RnMomof7; fortheDeclaration; Siobhan; angelo; Catholicguy; Polycarp

Its been fun, the defeat is complet, but its time to turn out the lights the "party is over"

:)

BigMack

266 posted on 10/23/2002 1:47:37 PM PDT by PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain
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To: RnMomof7
The question was to whom the curses of Trent applied...the answer seemed to be only to the Protestants..MT was exempt when she said all ways to God were valid..

First of all, what was Trent trying to clarify? It addressed the issues pertinant to the division of the Christian world... not the Islamic world.

Mother Teresa did not believe all ways to God were valid, else she would have been a Universalist Unitarian... but she was not. She was a very devout Catholic Christian who lived her faith. Catholicism teaches that we should respect all religions, because they all have a portion of the Catholic truth, and many promote Christian virtues. I mean no offense, but all religions are a "subset," in a way, of Catholicism.

Should we "Love" other religions? In as much as they are on the side of justice, virtue, love, and faith in God, the answer is: Yes, we should "love" other religions. Can God use an imperfect religion as part of the path to Jesus Christ's Church? Yes, He can. By living the Gospel, Mother Teresa was following the marching orders of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

267 posted on 10/23/2002 2:03:51 PM PDT by american colleen
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To: PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain
What a whining crybaby you are Siobhan.

BigMack

Thank you for the insult, Big Mack. God bless you.

268 posted on 10/23/2002 2:06:25 PM PDT by Siobhan
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To: PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain
Thank you for answering my request to publish these extra-Biblical rules of yours. I find them fascinating and I am even more fascinated about how you apply them to people with whom you disagree. As Mr. Spock would say, Fascinating.
269 posted on 10/23/2002 2:11:36 PM PDT by Siobhan
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To: PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain
You asked where all the Catholics have gone. I can only speak for myself and say that I had a daughter's diaper to change and then a couple of hungry mouths to feed.

I imagine others left in disgust -- not because of any prowess displayed on your part or any of your friends but because it is really boring to see the same game played out over and over. But your tactic of manipulating the thread as if you were the referee was a new one. Of course all of the self-congratulating was not new.

270 posted on 10/23/2002 2:24:09 PM PDT by Siobhan
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To: RnMomof7
She never once said all ways to God are valid. That is not true.
271 posted on 10/23/2002 2:27:23 PM PDT by Siobhan
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To: fortheDeclaration
Thank you for your post. Aquinas isn't in his grave. He is in Paradise. Since you are not God, you have no way of knowing who went to hell or not. God can sovereignly do what pleases Him, and you do not know the mind of God regarding the eternal destiny of each and every soul. As far as the first quote RNMomof 7 gave, it matters not if it was printed in a thousand places because Mother never said those words. That is a fact. It is no assertion.

I expect you treasure your faith in Jesus as Lord in Savior. I also treasure my faith in the same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Obviously we both believe the other to be wrong on any number of theological issues, possibly even salvation itself. My prayer and hope is that we both will see the Lord Jesus face to face and be welcomed by Him to take our place among the mutlitude of his saints. I bid you peace.

272 posted on 10/23/2002 2:42:11 PM PDT by Siobhan
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To: Siobhan
Siobhan, those who lurk like me know what is going on here on this thread. There is nothing you can say that will sway the anti-Catholics one way or another. Yours is a great Christian soul and your faith in Jesus Christ and the way you honor the Holy Theotokos are beautiful things. When BigMack calls you names and RNMomof7 writes "A dog returns to its vomit" - these things speak volumes about them. These are people who don't give a damn that you worked with Mother Teresa and knew her well. I could spend hours asking you about your experiences in Calcutta, and I'm sure that there are others who probably feel the same. If you ever do write about those awesome years somewhere on FR, please ping me. I like your use of the word "cherish" because I cherish your kindness toward me, and I am grateful for the prayers you've offered for me. Thank you.
273 posted on 10/23/2002 2:56:33 PM PDT by OxfordMovement
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To: OxfordMovement
How are you!?

How is your family?

I am so very, very glad you are back. I think of you often and in fact, we were (the CC) mentioning you and prayers for you and yours a few weeks back. God Bless.

274 posted on 10/23/2002 2:59:16 PM PDT by american colleen
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To: OxfordMovement
You are most welcome. And thank you for your kind words and encouragement. You have e-mail from me. God bless you.
275 posted on 10/23/2002 2:59:24 PM PDT by Siobhan
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To: american colleen
I am blessed, Colleen. Thank you for all of your prayers and your kindness, too. My wife and family are doing pretty good. We got the news last week that my wife is pregnant, and we have greeted this news with total joy.

I have learned to let Michael go safely into the arms of Jesus. We found out there had been an undiagnosed infection around his heart. It is rare, but it happens. I have had dreams about Michael and Jesus playing together with St. Mary and St. Anne. Very beautiful dreams that I feel Jesus gave to me to let me see just a glimpse of how wonderful heaven is and how much joy Michael experiences now.

I am overwhelmed by everyone's prayers and kindness. I really am overwhelmed. Well, I guess it is time for me to get off the computer and corral the kids for an early supper tonight. Thanks again for everything.

276 posted on 10/23/2002 3:09:51 PM PDT by OxfordMovement
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To: Siobhan; RnMomof7
She never once said all ways to God are valid. That is not true.

Mom’s argument is found almost verbatim at this site:

Mother Theresa

It is put together by an ex-Catholic or so he claims. One of his references is "A Woman Rides The Beast" by Dave Hunt. That should tell you something.

277 posted on 10/23/2002 3:12:28 PM PDT by pegleg
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To: OxfordMovement
Oh joy for you and your wife and children! Congratulations! What a blessing you have from your little Michael and from Him.

What a blessing we have in your return.

278 posted on 10/23/2002 3:42:45 PM PDT by american colleen
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To: pegleg
Well! I am shocked! Shocked!
279 posted on 10/23/2002 3:43:19 PM PDT by american colleen
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To: OxfordMovement
Oxford, I'm in tears of joy for you, your wife and family. My mom, daughter and I just danced around the kitchen after I read aloud your post to Colleen. Praise the Lord for those dreams! We love you, Oxford, and we will be praying for all of you, especially your wife and the little one on the way!
280 posted on 10/23/2002 3:51:30 PM PDT by Siobhan
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