M
McCall1981
Guest
Card. Wuerl has some great reflections on Pope Francis in his role as Peter, the true nature of a Papal conclave, and the unchanging doctrine of the Church.
ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=7654
“The faith is something that we receive, and it is a great gift,” stressed the cardinal, and like the early apostles, we are called to pass on this gift to the world.
The majority of the world does not share this understanding of the Church, Cardinal Wuerl said, observing that many journalists assumed the Papal election was a political process to be discussed in terms of campaigning and “front-runners.”
However, he clarified, “when the cardinals come together in Rome, the background is very different,” focused on prayer, discussion and listening to God’s will and the wisdom of the other cardinals.
A further misunderstanding of the Church’s teaching and mission is also found in the speculation over whether a new Pope may change Church teachings, particularly surrounding controversial topics such as sexual ethics.
“The question comes out of a misunderstanding of what Church teaching is all about: you and I are invited by Jesus into a way of life,” invited to be disciples and “walk with him through life,” Cardinal Wuerl explained.
Church teaching “isn’t policy,” he emphasized, but is instead a passing on of Christ’s love and Revelation from God. Therefore, the Church cannot change these truths to fit “constantly changing” times, but must be committed to bringing the unchanging truth to the world.
“The task of the Church and the Pope is to pass it on,” the cardinal stressed, challenging the young adults present to follow and spread the Church’s commandment to love.
“When you do that,” he said, “you’re capable of changing the whole world.”
(I post this here rather than the news forum because what the Cardinal says isn’t new, or news, but is a reflection on the nature of the Church)
ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/US.php?id=7654
“The faith is something that we receive, and it is a great gift,” stressed the cardinal, and like the early apostles, we are called to pass on this gift to the world.
The majority of the world does not share this understanding of the Church, Cardinal Wuerl said, observing that many journalists assumed the Papal election was a political process to be discussed in terms of campaigning and “front-runners.”
However, he clarified, “when the cardinals come together in Rome, the background is very different,” focused on prayer, discussion and listening to God’s will and the wisdom of the other cardinals.
A further misunderstanding of the Church’s teaching and mission is also found in the speculation over whether a new Pope may change Church teachings, particularly surrounding controversial topics such as sexual ethics.
“The question comes out of a misunderstanding of what Church teaching is all about: you and I are invited by Jesus into a way of life,” invited to be disciples and “walk with him through life,” Cardinal Wuerl explained.
Church teaching “isn’t policy,” he emphasized, but is instead a passing on of Christ’s love and Revelation from God. Therefore, the Church cannot change these truths to fit “constantly changing” times, but must be committed to bringing the unchanging truth to the world.
“The task of the Church and the Pope is to pass it on,” the cardinal stressed, challenging the young adults present to follow and spread the Church’s commandment to love.
“When you do that,” he said, “you’re capable of changing the whole world.”
(I post this here rather than the news forum because what the Cardinal says isn’t new, or news, but is a reflection on the nature of the Church)