Tell the Truth Boldly, Urges Pontiff

[M-Dent]

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 24, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI, on the solemnity of the birth of St. John the Baptist, called on the Church to bear “witness to the truth without compromise.”

The Pope said this today in the address he delivered before praying the Angelus with the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The Holy Father urged the faithful to follow the example of the cousin of Christ, and to not be afraid to denounce “transgressions of God’s commandments” even when the protagonists are people in power.

“John the Baptist was the precursor, the ‘voice’ sent to announce the Incarnate Word,” the Pontiff said.

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The Holy Father expressed a desire that “the Church of our time know how to be ever faithful to Christ and testify with courage to his truth and his love for all.”

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[Teelynn]

I just LOVE this Pope!

 

[bones_IV]

I just LOVE this Pope!

The mouth of Peter has spoken again. :extrahappy:

 

[vern_humphrey]

I wonder if the American Catholic Bishops are listening?

 

[Elzee]

I love this Pope too, but these statements seem to go unnoticed by most of our Bishops and clergy in the U.S., and I bet around the world.

The problem for the Holy See is to find a way to have these statements and urgings taken seriously and acted upon.
THAT is the real problem facing this Pope. His words are eloquent, but many - dare I say most - of his flock are not listening.

 

[M-Dent]

I love this Pope too, but these statements seem to go unnoticed by most of our Bishops and clergy in the U.S., and I bet around the world.

The problem for the Holy See is to find a way to have these statements and urgings taken seriously and acted upon.
THAT is the real problem facing this Pope. His words are eloquent, but many - dare I say most - of his flock are not listening.

Elzee, demonstrated by the last homily prior to his elevation to the papacy Cardinal Ratzinger certainly indicated his expectations.

Benedict XVI: The Pope and His Agenda
Joseph Ratzinger reproposed it in his last homily before the conclave: “being adults in the faith,” and not** “children in a state of guardianship, tossed about by the waves and carried here and there by every wind of doctrine.”** Entry by entry, the open questions of his pontificate

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The plain conclusion: “We must foster the maturity of this adult faith; we must guide the flock of Christ to this faith.” And it doesn’t matter if “having a clear faith according to the Church’s creed is frequently labeled fundamentalism.”

chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/dettaglio.jsp?id=28889&eng=y

 

[bones_IV]

I wonder if the American Catholic Bishops are listening?

I hope so, given that we have some evil bishops and wicked pastors who are more interested in popularity and prestige than they are in being shepherds.

 

[elijahson]

Amen! Boldly declare the Truths of Christ and His Church! Do you think that this means to the Church as well?

 

[Elzee]

Elzee, demonstrated by the last homily prior to his elevation to the papacy Cardinal Ratzinger certainly indicated his expectations.

I agree he very clearly states his expectations - I love his style.

But, unfortunately, I don’t see many priests and bishops in the U.S. following through on those expectations - getting them to do that - to actually FOLLOW our Holy Faither - is what will make a difference. I don’t know how the Vatican can get compliance - or cooperation - whichever word you prefer - but I see our Holy Father’s words being ignored day in and day out where I live by my priest, our lay leadership, etc. What he says is wonderful, but unless there is a way to perpetuate it among the flock - starting with our Bishops and priests - it is not having much of an impact from what I can tell.

 

[Wolseley]

I wonder if the American Catholic Bishops are listening?

What do you think?

 

[StephenB]

If you have not listened to the “Salt of the Earth” cd put out by St. Joseph’s, I highly recommend it - PBXVI speaks specifically to the issue of being truthful versus getting along (paraphrased.)

We can go through life and have everyone think we’re just great people, so nice and easy to get along with, and never take a position on anything that might be controversial - in the meantime people are not hearing the truth about choices they make in their life, to their detriment (and our own.)