Today’s Thoughts: After praying with today’s Gospel last evening before heading to bed it was on my mind as I opened my eyes this morning. I can’t help but hear Jesus’ words in all the rhetoric surrounding the election, in all the headlines, reflections and social media chatter yesterday about Pope Francis’ statement on civil unions. Yes, you would have thought the world was about to end.
The same thing happened in recent years when the Pope called the Synods on the Family, Youth, and the Amazon. Just by reading the headlines one might surmise have that the Church is in trouble. We seem to be full of confusion and unthinkable divisions – bishop against bishop, cardinal against cardinal, cardinal against pope, traditionalists against progressives, conservatives against liberals (well these last two are quite thinkable), but hopefully you get my point. In all the chatter especially from within the Church about the good and bad of the synods you would think the “End Time” is just around the corner. Our upcoming election has tuned up the volume of the apocalyptic voices, – “We are about to step over the edge into the Abyss!” “We will commit a mortal sin if we vote…” My response to all this chatter, media, hysteria and apocalyptic like chatter comes from the immortal words of Aaron Charles Rodgers, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, as the Packers got off to a slow start a few seasons ago – “Relax!” Jesus tells us in the Gospel today (Luke 12:49-53) that there will be divisions, conflicts and struggles because of his presence, message, ministry and call. He tells us that he has come to set the earth on fire. He is telling us of his deep feelings, emotions, and mission. Down through the centuries the divisions and divisiveness Jesus speaks of is exactly what has happened from time to time. There is no reason to believe that it will stop anytime soon unless God has other plans. As long as there are two people on this earth there will be disagreements, struggles and challenges. Pope Francis thoughts on Civil Unions are nothing new. He has spoken about it before. It is part of his theme of the totality of life. Everyone deserves the basic needs of life. Pope Francis is not changing the doctrine of the Church. He is just living out his faith. He is living the Beatitudes. Pope Francis has always asked people to speak frankly, honestly, truthfully and to look for ways to move the Church forward and that is what his life is about. Unfortunately for the Church, like a football team that plays a bad game, everyone stands ready pounced, the international and national media, cardinals, bishops, priests and laity alike. What is he saying? What isn’t he saying? What does he really mean? Was the translation, right? Should he say these things? It all too confusing! It’s a mess? This confusion is of the devil! He is challenged doctrine! He is using the wrong language. He is going against natural law! He is going against God’s law! And so on and so on and so on! Let me send this memo to the team, fans, media, to all cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, whomever – “Relax!” Life is a work in progress, yes, it can be messy, yes, there will be fights, disagreements and divisions but let’s all have some faith in the Holy Spirit. Let’s all have some faith in the living of life. Let’s all believe in the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ love! Have a blessed, holy, safe, and healthy Thursday everyone!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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