In the Spring of 2013 I read what was for me a momentous post. Written by a Catholic priest in England he titled his post, 'The Pope of Our Chastisement', and it wasn't negative or condemning but very thought provoking. He definitely had a 'wait and see' attitude. Was this the pope that we deserve, for our sins? Is the growing antagonism between Catholics caused by this very contradictory pope? I'm always reminded of what Jesus warned us about if we truly followed Him...
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20)I just don't feel happy about all the controversy and spin that's permeating so many conversations. Let your yea be yea and nay be nay...why does everyone feel compelled to explain what this pope 'really means'?
Shouldn't it be clear and obvious? And why are the faithful being called nasty, alliterative and mocking names and the most blatant heretics being praised and having their hands kissed? Alot of the faithful are definitely being chastised. I just remember that my dad never called us names, ever. A father that loves his children doesn't ridicule them.
