Catholic means "Universal"; Thus, the Catholic Church is not defined by geography, race, economic status, social status, culture or language.
Yet, well-meaning and caring individuals including bishops and priests do have other ideas of universality. From Rorate-Caeli, former priest and Liberation Theology master Leonardo Boff said in an interview:
"The new Pope should work through the scandals, should encourage open, democratic discussion, without any taboos - about celibacy, contraception, the role of women."
"But this will require the breaking of traditions. Away from the corrupt Vatican curia, to a church that is universal. And to new, pivotal issues: the gap between the rich and the poor, the disparity of justice."
Many think this way about the Church, often, on the basis of social justice; Some would even include divorce, same-sex marriage, abortion in the spectrum. There is no belittling their concern for their fellowmen. They hold on to these principles and they hate the modern day Pharisees- the Traditionalist. They hate Benedict XVI immensely.
Having studied at the University of the Philippines, I am quite exposed to this, and my heart still breaks for the injustices of this world and the plight of the poor. But when one comes to faith, there's a different light on the same realities.
First, of all, the Church is not a mere political or social institution. Although it deals with political and social issues, she always has to go over and above it consistent with Scriptures, Tradition, and Apostolic teachings.
Secondly, I believe in Divine Justice. Divine Justice is like the ultimate redress of those who were not given one on earth. But there is one other Divine Justice that does not have to wait for the afterlife, that is, no matter what the state or stage of life, everyone is capable of knowing, receiving and giving Truth and Love. Truth and Love, in essence, is God. Without this Divine Justice, the world can not rise from its human misery.
Rich or poor, man or woman, young or old, sick or healthy, married or single... each has a capacity to know and love God because God had taken the first step to reach us. We can be saints wherever we are because God's love is there to help us transcend who we are. That is the true empowerment. And though, by the world's standards, there is still inequality and social injustice, we, as children of God had attained equality with others. We are equally capable of sinning and we are equally capable of sanctity by God's grace. This, however, doesn't stop us from being a part of the world that needs corporal works of mercy: 1) Feed the hungry. 2) Give drink to the thirsty. 3) Clothe the naked. 4) Shelter the homeless. 5) Visit the sick. 6) Visit the imprisoned. 7) Bury the dead.
If God so chooses to let others enter the Kingdom, it is God's choice but the Catholic Church is a servant of God and can not impose on God. The Church can remain faithful only to the unchanging Truth that had been handed down from the Apostles. The Universal Church is open to all who wishes to RECEIVE it; And that means being in COMMUNION.
Bishop Ireneaus in "Against Heresies":
“This preaching and this faith, the Church, although, scattered over the whole world diligently observes, as if it occupied but ONE HOUSE, and believes as if it had ONE MIND, and preaches and teaches, as if it had ONE MOUTH. And although there are many dialects in the world, the MEANING of the TRADITION is ONE and the same.”
Yet, well-meaning and caring individuals including bishops and priests do have other ideas of universality. From Rorate-Caeli, former priest and Liberation Theology master Leonardo Boff said in an interview:
"The new Pope should work through the scandals, should encourage open, democratic discussion, without any taboos - about celibacy, contraception, the role of women."
"But this will require the breaking of traditions. Away from the corrupt Vatican curia, to a church that is universal. And to new, pivotal issues: the gap between the rich and the poor, the disparity of justice."
Many think this way about the Church, often, on the basis of social justice; Some would even include divorce, same-sex marriage, abortion in the spectrum. There is no belittling their concern for their fellowmen. They hold on to these principles and they hate the modern day Pharisees- the Traditionalist. They hate Benedict XVI immensely.
Having studied at the University of the Philippines, I am quite exposed to this, and my heart still breaks for the injustices of this world and the plight of the poor. But when one comes to faith, there's a different light on the same realities.
First, of all, the Church is not a mere political or social institution. Although it deals with political and social issues, she always has to go over and above it consistent with Scriptures, Tradition, and Apostolic teachings.
Secondly, I believe in Divine Justice. Divine Justice is like the ultimate redress of those who were not given one on earth. But there is one other Divine Justice that does not have to wait for the afterlife, that is, no matter what the state or stage of life, everyone is capable of knowing, receiving and giving Truth and Love. Truth and Love, in essence, is God. Without this Divine Justice, the world can not rise from its human misery.
Rich or poor, man or woman, young or old, sick or healthy, married or single... each has a capacity to know and love God because God had taken the first step to reach us. We can be saints wherever we are because God's love is there to help us transcend who we are. That is the true empowerment. And though, by the world's standards, there is still inequality and social injustice, we, as children of God had attained equality with others. We are equally capable of sinning and we are equally capable of sanctity by God's grace. This, however, doesn't stop us from being a part of the world that needs corporal works of mercy: 1) Feed the hungry. 2) Give drink to the thirsty. 3) Clothe the naked. 4) Shelter the homeless. 5) Visit the sick. 6) Visit the imprisoned. 7) Bury the dead.
If God so chooses to let others enter the Kingdom, it is God's choice but the Catholic Church is a servant of God and can not impose on God. The Church can remain faithful only to the unchanging Truth that had been handed down from the Apostles. The Universal Church is open to all who wishes to RECEIVE it; And that means being in COMMUNION.
Bishop Ireneaus in "Against Heresies":
“This preaching and this faith, the Church, although, scattered over the whole world diligently observes, as if it occupied but ONE HOUSE, and believes as if it had ONE MIND, and preaches and teaches, as if it had ONE MOUTH. And although there are many dialects in the world, the MEANING of the TRADITION is ONE and the same.”
