Yesterday I mentioned one of St. Paul’s themes in his
writings was on the crucified Christ.
As
in some of his other letters, a clear theme is used in his address to the
Corinthians: unity. He writes, “While there is jealousy and rivalry
among you, are you not of the flesh, and
walking according to the manner of man? Whenever someone says, ‘I belong to Paul,’ and another, ‘I
belong to Apollos,’ are you not merely men?”
As
a Church we must continue to strive for unity. While there are a number of different charisms or movements
within our faith, these must not lead to division. This includes changes we have in our popes, bishops and
priests.
Consider
how the Lord has worked with our last three popes: St. John Paul II, Benedict
XVI and Francis. These three men
were unique in their personality, leadership style and pastoral emphases. Recently I saw a picture online. It contained a headshot of each of
these men with one word underneath.
JPII was hope, Benedict faith and Francis love. In different
ways, God provided us with blessed men to guide the Church.
What
would it mean if I held fast to John Paul II, but rejected Benedict? Or if I love Pope Francis but ignored
the insights of JPII or Benedict?
This would be precisely the division St. Paul warns against.
The
same can be said of our bishops and pastors at our parish.
When
it comes to the clergy, it is never about us. It is about Jesus.
You came to Church, not because you liked Fr. Kris or like me. You should follow Christ and, please
God, the members of the clergy may be faithful in promoting Jesus.
May
we strive for unity within our Catholic Church today!
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