Sometimes God's good word, the Sacred Scriptures of the Church, can cause a storm within one's heart. This can be good, I suppose, if the wind producing the turmoil is the Holy Spirit. This can also be good if this storm is grace, transforming our nature to ever increasing desire in greater measure in the Life of Christ within us. But this storm can also include the wars we wage on earth.
For in this blessed storm is found conflicting winds:
'Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.' Dylan Thomas
'Strive for peace with everyone...' Hebrews 12:14
Today's Scripture readings from the Lectionary: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020613.cfm
As a Catholic boy growing up I was taught to respect everyone. I learned early of the dignity of the priest, and the beauty of the nun as an altar boy and as an elementary school Catholic student. As an adult Catholic, blessedly informed in my faith, I respect the priest and Bishop as 'in Persona Christi' and the religious brother and sister as consecrating their lives to God. I embrace and accept wholeheartedly that the Church is not a democracy, but a Kingdom with only One King, Jesus our Christ.
But I've also grown up in the world to see that not everyone is going to respect me!
The Pope explains 'in Persona Christi': http://www.ewtn.com/library/papaldoc/b16chrsmass07.htm
'This is the carpenter, surely, the Son of Mary...And they would not accept him.' Mark 6:1-6
It's funny how we, Catholics, hear St. Paul's reading about the Body of Christ, and the inherent dignity of all the parts of the Body, and all the diversity of gifts from the Holy Spirit, yet we exercise, practically, disdain for all the 'little toes' and all the 'armpits' of our Church! Acceptance of hierarchy is both a sign of spiritual understanding and humility. Acceptance of the all too human aspect of our parish life, the caste system, is spiritual suicide, and we must 'rage against the dying of the light' in our God given gifts.
The 'caste system': http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/indias-caste-system.html
'As tenderly as a father treats his children, so Yahweh treats those who fear him; he knows what we are made of, he remembers we are dust...' Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18
We must respect both the Catholic hierarchy, set up by Christ, in His Apostles, and the spiritual integrity of the Body, invigorated by the Holy Spirit and enfleshed by each and every faithful Christian. The storm, which is Spirit inspired, and emboldening of nature in grace, is the balance of hierarchy and genuine respect for each and every disciple.
Explaining Catholic hierarchy: http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org
By human effort alone, and at times, quite the norm, we will fail miserably--setting up factions and divisions and competition. But by the power of God--in whom nothing is impossible--the mission, and the actuality of the Church will flourish.
And this is where the hierarchy serves each and every Christian to 'strive for peace with everyone.'
Agree? tranz4mation@comcast.net
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