Hmmmm. It depends on what you mean when you say “address modern problems”. Of course the Church is the body of Christ, and whenever Jesus lets papa know that it’s time again, it will happen. Not a moment before or after. I’ve learned that part of being Catholic is to learn patience.
When I’ve thought of another council, I have thought of a council to restore the spirit of orthodoxy, chiefly and foremost. To establish a liturgy that nearly demands awe and respect. That will make us cry most of the time. The other portion would be to discuss sin among the clergy. We are a deeply wounded Church right now. Every confirmed incidence of abuse is another scar and wound on the body of Christ. We know that our priests, bishops and even our bishop of Rome are not perfect. We are all sinners. We need to pray for the Pope and his bishops, but also our parish priest constantly. But God, even under the new covenant promoted justice. Justice and forgiveness are interwoven. We can still love and forgive our priests, but they must also be subject to the full weight of the law, as any other citizen.
This in itself cuts both ways. If an allegation is made which is found to be false, that this must be equally publicized to those which are true. There is positive justice. Not just negative. The Church has allowed itself to become a punching bag. Even though some of it is true and deserved, we don’t seem to fight back enough when we’re right, nor supplicate enough when we are wrong. I’m not suggesting that we are EVER wrong on faith and morals.
We are, and will remain to be the Church founded on St. Peter by Jesus, the Christ. God. We have been around for 2000 years. Through the criminal popes. Through the inquisitions, through the crusades, through the reformation, through protestantism, and now, we find ourselves at yet another crossroads where we are battling a world in which the larger portion of people in power are the offspring of moral relativists, atheists, agnostics, and pagans. A world where a heretical misunderstanding and misuse of Christianity (Islam), is drawing more adherents than real Christianity. Why? There is a new generation yearning for orthodoxy, and they’re not finding in Christ’s Church anymore.
We should not stand for mealy mouthed political correctness, nor cower in the corner as simple politicians, atheists and pharisees, (oh, they’re still here brothers and sisters) have their way with us in the public eye. We should be speaking the truth 24/7/365, and if we do that, we may find our pews bursting at the seams. Because, simply put, we are the ones with the truth to tell. The truth is a man. The Word of God incarnate. Jesus Christ.
So, yes…I’m all for a counsel, if it is the will of God, and it isn’t used as another excuse to give into more socially rediculous, morally relativistic and repugnant ideas. We must remain the Church of Jesus Christ, of St. Peter and St. Paul. The Holy Father will know when it’s time to hold council. We were left with the paraclete. We are guided by the Holy Spirit, and will be until time is fulfilled, so I know we survive, and we’ll be here at the end, in full tact, and ready for the wedding.
God bless us all,
Peace,
Happy Easter!!!
He is Risen!!!
Steven