Pope Francis gave a clear call to the Catholic Church that it must not become a "compassionate NGO." He also made it explicitly clear on how the ministry of the church differs from that of governments. What do Christians make of this charge?
Firstly, Pope Francis must be commended for stating the obvious, which is not as obvious any more in the secular world - the work of the church is not the same as that of social or government organizations, even the compassionate ones.
While governments and social organizations are to be commended when they do serve the needy with resources and help, that help is of limited temporal value. Pope Francis called these as "sand castles" and rightly so. While not diminishing the work done on behalf of the poor and suffering, God's people are expected to go beyond it. How so?
Pope Francis calls for a confession of Christ. What does that mean? The world would rather not have any "tags" attached to good works done by the church. However, no work by the church can have any lasting value when done apart from Christ. Such work would remain sand castles or worse, be condemned for dispensing the gifts of Christ without crediting Christ, as plagiarists and thieves.
With all this to commend Pope Francis, what remains lacking? When the confession of Christ is made, what is its nature? The Gospel calls for a full and complete confession on Christ as the only redeemer of all mankind. That faith in Christ alone saves each sinner.
And more can be said... Is that what the Pope is saying? If not, the Catholic church may be different from an NGO for naming Christ, but that naming of Christ would not be honoring him, would it? How would you not shame Christ in your confession?
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