Crises should really lead us back to the recognition of our inadequacy and great need for GOD. Only in Him can we be or do any good, including love of neighbor and the poor.
Unity in the Church
11 My brothers, some from Chloes household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, I follow Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Cephas, or I follow Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
~1 Corinthians
The very recent leadership struggle at the top of Australia's Liberal Party is a reminder that human life is daily challenged by its perceived need to allocate blame, believing that the governance of Australia is not being handled according to their understandings.
The leadership of the institutional church is no exception.
The Protestant Reformation was led by Catholic priests frustrated by corruption, and political scheming at the highest levels of the church's leadership. Eventually reforms would lead the institutional church out of its self imposed swamp, to respond to the call of The Saviour to be mindful of His invitation to serve ones neighbour. That work never stops, for change that reflects the needs of society is work in being.
On the current news making issues plaguing our church's institutional leadership I assume a much more positive position knowing that a long over due clean up operation is underway led by The Holy Spirit . It is no accident that Francis is pope, notwithstanding that his earlier naive responses to clerical sexual abuse allegations, have been replaced by his vigorous intervention to remove offending clergy.
In the meantime the blame game has already begun with the media offering its perspectives, and religion discussion boards filled with sock puppets, gushing forth the political agenda of their puppet masters.
A healthy society need never rest on its laurels that all is well. To do so is to neglect all who need our assistance, especially those who seek shelter, food, and clothing.
Those who spend their life comfortably sitting behind computer screens attempting to manipulate public opinion might well consider going out into the streets, lending a helping hand to those who slip through government financed safety schemes that imagines the needs of every human person crying out for love, and practical help is being addressed effectively. We know that very many people are falling between the safety nets provided by society.
Fewer words, more actions, that address the needs of people in need of our assistance, reflect the invitation of The Christ to love our neighbour.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ~Matthew 25:35
end
Responses « Back to index | View thread »