Narrow Door

The letter of the late Cardinal Martini of Milan had been used by some to discredit the Catholic Church as no longer relevant today. Others want to make some sense of it and bring out some points to ponder on.

I don't know the late Cardinal. However, in reading his letter, I saw a man who cares for the Catholic Church and cares for people. But what he saw in his milieu was a dying church. He, himself, was old and sick. Frustrated but still caring for souls, he wanted to break open the narrow gate to let people in.

Throughout history, there were many personalities who cling to the Church but what to change the Church to accomodate people. There are many more who resort to man-made religion and organizations that will accomodate them. Understandably, it is nice to be included just the way you are. Tolerance to second marriages, gay marriages, women pastors, artificial contraception, abortion, and so on.

It is always sad when someone you care about leaves the Church. And it is a joy when others join the Church. Often, the reason why Catholics leave the Church would exactly be the same reason why non-Catholics join the Church. Such is the paradoxes of life.

However, no matter how much we want as many people to be in that road leading to fullness of life and joy; We do not own the road and the gate; Neither do the Catholic Church.

As Pope Paul VI wrote:
"Since the Church did not make either of these [natural & evangelical] laws, she cannot be their arbiter—only their guardian and interpreter. It could never be right for her to declare lawful what is in fact unlawful, since that, by its very nature, is always opposed to the true good of man." (Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI, 1968)

No matter how much we love people, we have to allow them to make their choice. Though prayer is often undermined as a passive thing, it is the best we can do for others. It is through prayers that people are moved to a spirit-guided action. Only then, can we find compassion (and not exasperation) with each other over the beautiful but difficult road we tread.

"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (Luke 13:24 NASB)

Cardinal Martini's letter http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=21013