I’m feeling a little conflicted…someone help me…I’m not sure where I am w/ the Pope on this quest to address all of the ‘social issues’ plagueing man at this point…what about spiritual charity…not sure about his kicking off his shoes…so to speak…and not abiding by some of the traditional routine for the Holy Father…what next…start selling some of the treasures located at the Vatican to feed the poor…are we losing perspective…
What about spiritual charity? That reminds me of a quote:
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or a sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat well’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Indeed someone might say, 'You have faith and I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works."
James goes on, but I think everyone can get the drift.
This Pope is a Jesuit - and most still don’t get it. Not abiding by the traditional routine of the Holy Father… guess what, the tiara went out several papacies ago. He lives his life ans he has lived it for years as a priest, then as a bishop, and then a cardinal; and he had some very choice words for those bishops who went around acting like “princes of the Church” before he was elevated to the papacy; and he has had a few choice words further about those “seeking higher office” since then.
There is a new sheriff in town. This one is not primarily a philosophy teacher (although the pope who was gave us some fantastic work) nor is he primarily a theology teacher (although the one who was also gave us some fantastic work). Just because the last two were from academia does not mean that is where we need to get all our popes. This one first and foremost has been a pastor, and that is the background from which he will operate.
And when he goes to his eternal reward (or steps down because he is no longer able to shoulder the load), we will get the next one, whom the Holy Spirit finds as best for the Church at that time. Maybe one who had been a lawyer, or a doctor, or an engineer (my bishop was an engineer) - or whatever.That is the Holy Spirit’s problem, not mine; and as best I can see looking at history, the Holy Spirit has been batting awesomely of recent.