Monday, May 2, 2011

Blessed John Paul II

I hope you all enjoyed yesterday. I wouldn't even know where to begin about (I believe it was Fr. Rutler who called it) A Perfect Storm for Grace.

Here's a great resource on theplenary indulgence.

I wanted to say a few things about my beloved Pope John Paul II. I know several readers, friends, bloggers I respect have concerns about the beatification.

The concerns about the appointments and elevations of heretics and apostates are valid. I can't defend the indefensible. But, the cover up problem the Catholic Church has lies well underneath the Pope. It begins on the level of the parish, Chancery, Nuncio. It is in the pews, where no matter what a priest or Bishop does that is scandalous, there is war declared on anyone who brings a valid complaint forward. The code of silence. I can't pin it all on the Popes, though they are accountable for the diligence and ultimately the appointment, even here in Boston, the Cardinal's secretary buries the evidence and keeps it from the Cardinal. We have permitted this culture to flourish. This is almost entirely what the pushback on Michael Voris is - we finally have a man who is willing to serve Christ and Christ alone, withstand being slandered, humiliated, bullied and rebuffed. And yes, he kissed the kooran.

But with the deposit of faith he left us, opposition to his beatification, I feel, is not measured. I don't know how anyone who has read his apostolic treasure chest and feel these criticisms are balanced. Furthermore, the Blessed Mother was so present in his pontificate, she even literally saved his life.

It was a glorious day for Christ yesterday.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It WAS a glorious day! After a few years of discerning, studying, and praying, on the evening of his death I prayed and told the Lord of my desire to become Catholic. I had been praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet during my journey because, well, the Rosary was somewhat difficult for my fundamentalist sensibilities. I have long since gotten over that!

And then at Mass on Sunday, my very favorite Scripture passage was one of the readings. I hadn't noticed this before for some reason. "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Pet. 1:8,9

Blessed John Paul II was used by the Holy Spirit to bring me to the fullness of the faith. And then, for a sweet little bonus, my favorite passage in the Word of God would be read on this most special day. Feeling a little overwhelmed and humbled by it all...

Robin