There is so much polarization in our world today. And it is not just political.
Polarization is on full display at all levels of the Church today… hierarchy, clergy, laity, vowed religious.
Is this the first time in history that the Church has been so divided?
Certainly not!
A simple fact of life. We don’t always agree… especially on things that are important to us.
A painful fact of life. Disagreements and conflicts can get out of hand.
But, there is another fact of life.
We can and should learn from disagreements.
A stopped clock is right at least twice a day.
I hope my track record for predictions is a bit better than that.
Here I revisit 3 predictions I made some two years ago.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I am going to predict some things about what will happen when an ailing 86-year-old Pope Francis braves the sweltering heat wave in Lisbon to spend some time with young people at World Youth Day.
Is there any connection between the celebration of World Youth Day and the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly?
Almost ten years ago to the day, Pope Francis told young people his hopes for World Youth Day. The sound bite people remember… “make a mess”.
Today many from both the left and the right are saying he himself has made a mess.
For three centuries early Christians could not conceive of themselves as soldiers. What happened?
Freshly ordained in May, 1965, I was privileged to attend one of the final sessions of the Second Vatican Council. In this Mindwalk I share my journey into the church of Vatican II and Pope Francis.
The question “How have you changed” is more complicated than you might realize!
Before you answer, listen to this story.
I got hooked by Pope Francis Wednesday reflections on the Our Father. I am into my ninth decade of praying it. I have read many thoughtful commentaries. Yet the Holy Father is helping me pray the Our Father anew.
Hearing is the simple physiological act of hearing sounds. Listening means paying attention to sound, hearing something with thoughtful attention, and giving consideration.
Who do I prefer? When
I am honest with myself, I realize I prefer to serve. those whose poverty I understand.
Are there conditions on who we serve? – Do we feel good serving the “good: the “good poor”?
Just about everyone in North America has seen flying geese in their trademark v-formation. On the ground we have found them messy and dangerous.
Yet fighter pilots ave leaned from them!
Is there anything we can learn about about church community today?