I read with interest the remarks made by Cardinal Francis George of the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 28, 2011 during the ad limina visit of a number of American bishops to the Holy Father. In part, he said:
The Church’s mission is threatened internally by divisions which paralyze her ability to act forcefully and decisively.
On the left, the Church’s teachings on sexual morality and the nature of the ordained priesthood and that the Church herself are publicly opposed, as are the bishops who preach and defend these teachings.
On the right, the Church’s teachings might be accepted. But the bishops who do not govern exactly and to the last detail in the way expected, are publicly opposed.
The Church is thus an arena of ideological warfare, rather than a way of discipleship, shepherded by bishops. And so, the Church’s ability to evangelize is diminished. Cardinal Francis George, May 28 2011 Ad Limina Visit.
This is an interesting and apt description of what is occuring in some of our parishes and dioceses today. There are some, wrapping themselves around the mantle of “conservatism” or “liberalism”, think they understand better than the bishops or the pope how to shepherd the church in matters such as liturgical practice, sexual morality, and the rights of the poor and the immigrant.
Where is our obedience? Where is our humility?
Obedience and humility do not require suspension of reason. Obedience and humility are not foolish or blind. They do not require that we suspend our natural human rights or our contributions to the common good of our parishes and dioceses.
They do require an acknowledgement that God is God and he is at work in those whom he anoints with the responsibility of the episcopacy.
Let us put ourselves aside and faithfully serve the Lord and his people.
Read Cardinal George’s complete address at: www.archchicago.org/cardinal/statement/stat_04/remarks_052804.shtm
