Good point. The answer would depend on whether one has a conscience formed in accordance with the perennial teachings of the Church, or one formed using the more reletavistic modern theology of the past several decades. There is an insidious "ends justify the means " mentality at work both within and without the Church that i find dangerous.
p). His actions are consistent with missionary Jesuits throughout history (was it scandalous when Jesuits learned the cultures, languages, and religions of Native Americans to better teach them about God? Were trinkets given to Natives to encourage their faith scandalous?). Our numbers have been reduced and we should view ourselves more as missionaries in a strange land. Pope Francis is out there seeking the lost sheep, just as Jesus did.I agree, and Jesus warned times like this would come, things like this would transpire and most importantly he even warned there would be many people who do recognize whats going on.(see things for what they truly are).
Thanks, Catholic Farmer. I appreciate your points. Still, I wonder how Pope Francis is living out admonitions like those set forth below when he gives special awards to apostates like Hayek & Clooney - not just people of other faiths, but people who have turned their backs on the Catholic faith in particular and on Jesus Christ altogether?Thank you for answering my questions. I am happy that these celebrities have given so much money to the poor. I’m glad their generosity was acknowledged by the Holy Father. We know how much he appreciates it when people help the poor. I hope this acknowledgement encourages more people to give to the poor. By this action, these people are demonstrating a Work of Mercy, so I don’t think the above quotes apply to them. They are being rewarded for demonstrating love of neighbor, which is Christ-like.
Pope Francis seeks common ground with all human beings. He has visited with Muslim leaders, refugees (not all were Christians), gay rights leaders, Protestants, and even politicians
Many non-Catholic people are given awards and trinkets by our Pope. He is not, and cannot, give them the true gift that is God Himself (the Eucharist) because they are not practicing Catholics. Are we going to be jealous of trinkets, handshakes, and smiles when we are offered the treasure of Christ daily? Be glad to be safe in the fold and not one of those lost sheep that the Holy Father is trying to bring back.
Well, that sure sounds pretty judgy to me.
Thank you for leading us back to the gospels. I have a few things to add:
St. Paul - 2 THES 3:14 If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame.
Yes, well, these weren’t “trinkets” given to natives to try to open their hearts to Christ. These were pontifical awards given to apostates to hold them up as examples who should be emulated. Giving these people awards does nothing to bring them back but merely confirms them in their ways and causes scandal for believers.Thank you for answering my questions. I am happy that these celebrities have given so much money to the poor. I’m glad their generosity was acknowledged by the Holy Father. We know how much he appreciates it when people help the poor. I hope this acknowledgement encourages more people to give to the poor. By this action, these people are demonstrating a Work of Mercy, so I don’t think the above quotes apply to them. They are being rewarded for demonstrating love of neighbor, which is Christ-like.
Pope Francis seeks common ground with all human beings. He has visited with Muslim leaders, refugees (not all were Christians), gay rights leaders, Protestants, and even politicians
Many non-Catholic people are given awards and trinkets by our Pope. He is not, and cannot, give them the true gift that is God Himself (the Eucharist) because they are not practicing Catholics. Are we going to be jealous of trinkets, handshakes, and smiles when we are offered the treasure of Christ daily? Be glad to be safe in the fold and not one of those lost sheep that the Holy Father is trying to bring back.
To further amplify your point, the books of Palms and Proverbs taught us about guarding ourselves agains wickedness and evil doers. I am reminded of the teaching in Matthew. We are sheep among wolves. So be as gentle as doves, but as clever as serpents.
I have read here on CA many times that if one is baptized a Roman Catholic, the Church counts you as her own. Perhaps the Pope used that as a starting point for honoring good people who have done good works.
If one public apostatizes, then he needs to reconcile with the Church. Then, it’d be imprudent to honor an apostate, lest the pope lead the little ones to scandal, about which Our Lord promised an horrendous punishment.
I still wonder how is it that it is normal here to call persons " apostates" ," heretics" and that sort of language. We do not use it…at all…,and much less use these words to publicly skin persons alive… !!
Thank you for your comment Gracie. As a non-Catholic, I tend to pick up on such words right away, and they do not sit well at all. Isn’t charity highly regarded? One can always question – ‘I wonder why the Pope chose to honor a person who is not practicing the faith anymore…’ but to sling such words that are intended to be nasty, well, I would hope to find better here.
Clooney, Gere and Hayek are all apostates according to the definition set forth in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each was formerly a Christian. Clooney & Hayek are former Catholics.
Yes, we (the Church) do use “that sort of language.” I realize it grates on the ears of some, however, it is right there in the Catechism and it is entirely appropriate to use the correct terminology to describe a situation. Much as we might want to pretend otherwise, there are people who are apostates and heretics. Clooney and Hayek are apostate Catholics who have publicly turned their backs on Jesus Christ and rejected him.I still wonder how is it that it is normal here to call persons " apostates" ," heretics" and that sort of language. We do not use it…at all…,and much less use these words to publicly skin persons alive… !!
God help us when our turn comes to be judged…hope St Peter does not have loudpeakers at the door to read out the reasons why we should not be even making the queue to Heaven !!!