Learn more about Pope Francis rather than criticize

[opus101]

According to Fr. Pius, OP, the Pope did not violate the law with the Holy Thursday foot-washing.
In his blog, for which I will provide a link, he writes the following:

As a general rule, in the law one who has the power to dispense others has the power to dispense himself, unless explicitly prohibited from doing so. Here, the Pope clearly has the power to dispense from the rule that the washing of the feet be limited to men. In fact, he is the only authority with the power to do so, as the law explicitly reserves the regulation of the Sacred Liturgy to him. Since he has the power to dispense others, he can dispense itself.

THEREFORE, those who say the Pope somehow acted illicitly by washing the feet of women on Holy Thursday are simply wrong. He has the legal authority to do so, and such an action is completely legitimate.

…To conclude, Pope Francis was certainly not acting “illegally” by washing the feet of two women on Holy Thursday night in the juvenile prison in Rome. At the same time, the Pope did not change the rubric for anyone else, only for himself on that one Holy Thursday.

One wonders why Dr. Peters is unaware of this.
In defending one part of the law, he neglected to give due regard to another one.
ubispiritus.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-pope-washing-feet-and-law.html

 

[graciew]

Another tremedous homily from Pope Francis on Divine Mercy Sunday:

news.va/en/news/pope-have-the-courage-to-return-to-god
Excerpt…

Thanks for sharing

 

[JReducation]

According to Fr. Pius, OP, the Pope did not violate the law with the Holy Thursday foot-washing.
In his blog, for which I will provide a link, he writes the following:

As a general rule, in the law one who has the power to dispense others has the power to dispense himself, unless explicitly prohibited from doing so. Here, the Pope clearly has the power to dispense from the rule that the washing of the feet be limited to men. In fact, he is the only authority with the power to do so, as the law explicitly reserves the regulation of the Sacred Liturgy to him. Since he has the power to dispense others, he can dispense itself.

THEREFORE, those who say the Pope somehow acted illicitly by washing the feet of women on Holy Thursday are simply wrong. He has the legal authority to do so, and such an action is completely legitimate.

…To conclude, Pope Francis was certainly not acting “illegally” by washing the feet of two women on Holy Thursday night in the juvenile prison in Rome. At the same time, the Pope did not change the rubric for anyone else, only for himself on that one Holy Thursday.

One wonders why Dr. Peters is unaware of this.
In defending one part of the law, he neglected to give due regard to another one.
ubispiritus.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-pope-washing-feet-and-law.html

I agree with Fr. Pius. I also agree with him that this seems to be more of an issue for Americans, probably because in our legal system the highest authority in the land (the president) is also bound by the law. Our American reality is not universal.

 

[McCall1981]

For those interested, Pope Francis publicly and specifically encouraged Confession (Penance) today

ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=7422

From the article:

“This filial relationship with God is not like a treasure that in a corner of our lives, but it must grow, must be fed every day by listening to the word of God, prayer, participation in the sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist and charity,” he said.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

For those interested, Pope Francis publicly and specifically encouraged Confession (Penance) today

ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=7422

From the article:

“This filial relationship with God is not like a treasure that in a corner of our lives, but it must grow, must be fed every day by listening to the word of God, prayer, participation in the sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist and charity,” he said.

Yeah, saw that. Brilliant. You gotta wonder if all our troubles (and by “our” I mean Catholic/American/World) are not caused by a lapse in devotion to this wonderful Sacrament.

 

[McCall1981]

Yeah, saw that. Brilliant. You gotta wonder if all our troubles (and by “our” I mean Catholic/American/World) are not caused by a lapse in devotion to this wonderful Sacrament.

I think it’s a big part of it. Sometimes I feel like Confession is like a wonderful "secret’ that only a few of us are in on. I wish it wasn’t such a “secret”

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

I think it’s a big part of it. Sometimes I feel like Confession is like a wonderful "secret’ that only a few of us are in on. ** I wish it wasn’t such a “secret”**

Amen.

 

[simple_soul]

What I liked was how he went on to explain how and what penance should be about and do for us;

And the sacraments, he stressed, are vital to this father-child relationship with God.

“This filial relationship with God is not like a treasure that in a corner of our lives, but it must grow, must be fed every day by listening to the word of God, prayer, participation in the sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist and charity,” he said.

“Christianity is not simply a matter of following commandments,” the Pope explained.

It is about “living a new life, being in Christ, thinking and acting like Christ, and being transformed by the love of Christ, it is allowing Him take possession of our lives and change them, transform them, to free them from the darkness of evil and sin.”

Read more: ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/Vatican.php?id=7422#ixzz2Q692ST5H

 

[Lucky7]

I think it’s a big part of it. Sometimes I feel like Confession is like a wonderful "secret’ that only a few of us are in on. I wish it wasn’t such a “secret”

People need to hear about sin first. How often does that happen? And when it is mentioned, how often are the “uncomfortable” sins mentioned?

 

[JReducation]

People need to hear about sin first. How often does that happen? And when it is mentioned, how often are the “uncomfortable” sins mentioned?

That’s one style of preaching, but not the only style. Jesuits and Franciscans have never preached on sin as much as we have preached on penance and God’s love. The message has always been that the who loves God atones for his sins. The focus is on atonement out of love. As Bl. John Henry Newman said, “Heart calls out to heart.” Pope Francis comes from this school. If people embrace love and atonement, sin is covered.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

That’s one style of preaching, but not the only style. Jesuits and Franciscans have never preached on sin as much as we have preached on penance and God’s love. The message has always been that the who loves God atones for his sins. The focus is on atonement out of love. As Bl. John Henry Newman said, “Heart calls out to heart.” Pope Francis comes from this school. If people embrace love and atonement, sin is covered.

Thank you for this.
I aways wonder why so many people seem to think that preaching “hell fire & brimstone” is a good way to reach people.

I was “lapsed” for many years, and when I first came back to the Chruch it was to help to “change” it to what I thought it should be. I was flirting with heresy, but I was back “in” the Church. If I had been approached with the the “hellfire & brimstone” that so many people seem to want, I can honestly say I would not still be in the Church, and I would not have had the profound metanoia I did.

What helped me to achieve that was the experience of God’s infinite love, mercy
and friendship, as I experienced it through some very patient, and very holy men (2 priests & a deacon) who helped me to realize, understand and embrace that I was created by God, for God, just because He loved me and all He wanted in return was for me to love Him. Once I realized this truth, my will started to fade and God’s will become much more important to me. No amount of “hellfire & brimstone” would have ever allowed me to have this experience.

 

[McCall1981]

I think we’re pretty far lost if “mentioning sin” is being equated to “hellfire and brinstone”. Sin is real, Christ spoke about sin, our great saints spoke about sin.

Its true that some people go too far in attacking others for their sins, but we have to be aware of sin, we have to acknowledge it (whether its in ourselves or others), we have to try to do something about it. And yes, often the best thing to do about it is to have patience, love, forgiveness etc But these virtues are abused when they are used to ignore sin.

The concepts most central to our faith, like salvation, forgiveness, love, free will, morality are all meaningless without the concept of sin.

And for the record, I think Pope Francis has been strong on “mentioning sin” and evil, and Im glad he has been.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I am not equating the mere mention of sin with “hellfire & brimstone”, but the reality is that there are many, especially in these forums, think that the “hellfire & brimstone” approach is the only way to go. My point was that for me, that never would have worked.

I think we’re pretty far lost if “mentioning sin” is being equated to “hellfire and brinstone”. Sin is real, Christ spoke about sin, our great saints spoke about sin.

Its true that some people go too far in attacking others for their sins, but we have to be aware of sin, we have to acknowledge it (whether its in ourselves or others), we have to try to do something about it. And yes, often the best thing to do about it is to have patience, love, forgiveness etc But these virtues are abused when they are used to ignore sin.

The concepts most central to our faith, like salvation, forgiveness, love, free will, morality are all meaningless without the concept of sin.

And for the record, I think Pope Francis has been strong on “mentioning sin” and evil, and Im glad he has been.

 

[McCall1981]

I am not equating the mere mention of sin with “hellfire & brimstone”, but the reality is that there are many, especially in these forums, think that the “hellfire & brimstone” approach is the only way to go. My point was that for me, that never would have worked.

Very true. And there are others (and Im not saying you did this, my apologies if it came off that way) that will sometimes use Gods love and mercy to act like there is no such thing as sin, which is also harmful. Just trying to make that point too

 

[JReducation]

Atonement, love and mercy make no sense without sin. I think what some people object to is that notion that certain individuals and even groups have that one must always be on the lookout for the sins of another and then hit them between the eyes with the moral law. That’s certainly not the Jesuit or Franciscan manner of preaching.

Thinking about Pope Francis, who blends the two schools very well, what we see is a reference to sin with a strong invitation to atonement, to love and to accept God’s mercy. But his invitation to atonement is very Franciscan and Jesuit. He does not invite us to atone because we’re afraid of hell, though we should be. That’s a whole other story. He invites us to atone because we love and are loved. This is very much the style of Francis and Ignatius.

Some people believe that this style is not stern enough. As I see it in my ministry, it is not sternness that has brought people back or pulled them out of sinful situations. Just the opposite has happened. Our brothers always present themselves as companions along the journey, not as teachers or guides. There is only one teacher in the community. That’s the superior. When the brothers go out to proclaim the Gospel, which is everyday, they do so with a great deal of gentleness, good manners, kindness, joy, and most of all sincerity.

For example, when a person walks into one of our centers procuring an abortion or tells us that they have had an abortion, our response is to smile and embrace them. From there the brother introduces himself, allows the person to tell his story and then asks questions. Never does he tell the person that he or she is a sinner, because he or she wants an abortion. That would make the brother a teacher, which he is not. That is not what Franciscans do. Franciscans invite.

The brother invites the person to consider the act of abortion, the dignity of life, the love of God who creates all life, the ultimate destiny of human life and the mercy of God who understands our problems. He invites the person to walk with him before God, because God has the answers, not he (the brother). The brother is just a companion. Even our brothers who are priests do not put on the teaching cap.

Pope Francis, because he’s a Jesuit does put on the teaching cap. Jesuits have a right to do so, because that’s their special vocation. However, the way that they teach is very much the same as the Franciscan. They teach through dialogue and always pointing to the Lord for guidance and mercy. They don’t instill fear. Like the Franciscan, they inspire love by being very loving, even with those who are thick-headed. Trust me, there are many stubborn people in this world. They inspire people to take advantage of the mercy of God through the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Very true. And there are others (and Im not saying you did this, my apologies if it came off that way) that will sometimes use Gods love and mercy to act like there is no such thing as sin, which is also harmful. Just trying to make that point too

Point taken!
And I agree 100%! I think both sides sometimes go to extremes, my hope is that Pope Francis’ style of preaching will find us more in the middle, and based on Br. Jay’s post, I believe that hope will be fulfilled! :thumbsup:

 

[McCall1981]

Point taken!
And I agree 100%! I think both sides sometimes go to extremes, my hope is that Pope Francis’ style of preaching will find us more in the middle, and based on Br. Jay’s post, I believe that hope will be fulfilled! :thumbsup:

I think he’s doing great at this so far

 

[YoungTradCath]

I think we can all agree that, at the very least, not mentioning sin, or mentioning it only in the vaguest terms, is not the way to go.

 

[choliks]

Atonement, love and mercy make no sense without sin. I think what some people object to is that notion that certain individuals and even groups have that one must always be on the lookout for the sins of another and then hit them between the eyes with the moral law. That’s certainly not the Jesuit or Franciscan manner of preaching.

Thinking about Pope Francis, who blends the two schools very well, what we see is a reference to sin with a strong invitation to atonement, to love and to accept God’s mercy. But his invitation to atonement is very Franciscan and Jesuit. He does not invite us to atone because we’re afraid of hell, though we should be. That’s a whole other story. He invites us to atone because we love and are loved. This is very much the style of Francis and Ignatius.

-snip-

Pope Francis, because he’s a Jesuit does put on the teaching cap. Jesuits have a right to do so, because that’s their special vocation. However, the way that they teach is very much the same as the Franciscan. They teach through dialogue and always pointing to the Lord for guidance and mercy. They don’t instill fear. Like the Franciscan, they inspire love by being very loving, even with those who are thick-headed. Trust me, there are many stubborn people in this world. They inspire people to take advantage of the mercy of God through the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.

I am reminded of St. Francis Xavier’s prayer with what you wrote :

My God, I love thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
nor yet because who love thee not
are lost eternally.

Thou, O my Jesus, thou didst me
upon the cross embrace;
for me didst bear the nails and spear,
and manifold disgrace.

And griefs and torments numberless
and sweat of agony;
even death itself – and all for one
Who was thine enemy.

Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ
should I not love thee well?
not for the hope of winning heaven,
or of escaping hell.
not with the hope of gaining aught,
nor seeking a reward,
but as thyself has lovèd me,
O ever-loving Lord!

Even so I love thee, and will love
and in thy praise will sing,
solely because thou art my God,
and my eternal king.

---

O Jesu ego amo Te
Nec amo Te ut salves me
Aut quia non amantes Te
Aeterno punis igene.
Tu, Tu mi Jesu totum me
Amplexus es in cruce,
Tulisti clavos, lanceam
Multamque ignominiam,
Innumeros dolores,
Sudores et algores
Et mortem et haec propter me
Et pro me peccatore.
Cur igitur non amem Te
Mi Jesu amantissime,
Non ne aeternum damnes me
Nec ut in caelo salves me
Nec praemii ullius spe.
Sed sicut Tu amasti me
Sic amo et amabo Te,
Solum quia Rex meus es
Et solum quia Deus es.

 

[TimothyH]

Atonement, love and mercy make no sense without sin. I think what some people object to is that notion that certain individuals and even groups have that one must always be on the lookout for the sins of another and then hit them between the eyes with the moral law. That’s certainly not the Jesuit or Franciscan manner of preaching.

Thinking about Pope Francis, who blends the two schools very well, what we see is a reference to sin with a strong invitation to atonement, to love and to accept God’s mercy. But his invitation to atonement is very Franciscan and Jesuit. He does not invite us to atone because we’re afraid of hell, though we should be. That’s a whole other story. He invites us to atone because we love and are loved. This is very much the style of Francis and Ignatius.

Some people believe that this style is not stern enough. As I see it in my ministry, it is not sternness that has brought people back or pulled them out of sinful situations. Just the opposite has happened. Our brothers always present themselves as companions along the journey, not as teachers or guides. There is only one teacher in the community. That’s the superior. When the brothers go out to proclaim the Gospel, which is everyday, they do so with a great deal of gentleness, good manners, kindness, joy, and most of all sincerity.

For example, when a person walks into one of our centers procuring an abortion or tells us that they have had an abortion, our response is to smile and embrace them. From there the brother introduces himself, allows the person to tell his story and then asks questions. Never does he tell the person that he or she is a sinner, because he or she wants an abortion. That would make the brother a teacher, which he is not. That is not what Franciscans do. Franciscans invite.

The brother invites the person to consider the act of abortion, the dignity of life, the love of God who creates all life, the ultimate destiny of human life and the mercy of God who understands our problems. He invites the person to walk with him before God, because God has the answers, not he (the brother). The brother is just a companion. Even our brothers who are priests do not put on the teaching cap.

Pope Francis, because he’s a Jesuit does put on the teaching cap. Jesuits have a right to do so, because that’s their special vocation. However, the way that they teach is very much the same as the Franciscan. They teach through dialogue and always pointing to the Lord for guidance and mercy. They don’t instill fear. Like the Franciscan, they inspire love by being very loving, even with those who are thick-headed. Trust me, there are many stubborn people in this world. They inspire people to take advantage of the mercy of God through the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.

I have found that people really don’t want to be hit over the head with a Bible.

People want to know why life stinks in spite of the fact that they have done everything society told them they should. They want to know why their husband left or why their kid is doing drugs, and they keep hearing Christians talk about joy and peace but then they get whacked over the head with a Bible by Baptists and told they are going to hell or they get smacked with a Catechism by Catholics and told they hare going to hell.

If we can demonstrate peace and joy in our own lives then it will attract people like moths to a flame, and they will ask how we do it. That’s when it is time to talk, to say, “I have the sacraments.”

Where I live people are usually like, “Sacraments? What’s that?”

-Tim-