I came across this article on criticising the Pope. It is interesting to read things like this because it causes self reflection. It is a bit like walking in a big dark forest where you have never been before and stopping now and again to get your bearings. Are you doing the right thing? Are you lost? Are you on the right path? So here it is: https://godmoment.org/ponderings/a-spirit-of-schism-over-the-church/ There is a spirit of schism crouching at the door of the church. It's not hard to notice the growing trend among Catholics, laity and clergy alike, to criticize the current Pontiff, as if they somehow believed they have been appointed to police the Church. By whose authority? and what spirit is behind it? It is not only overt, as in some Catholic media organizations, but also by omission. In a parish close to me, there is a deafening silence - never a mention of him apart from the requirements of the liturgy. But if the Liturgy requires us to pray for him, as the one appointed by God to sit in the Chair of Peter, does it not set the standard? Is this not the true Church telling us how to act? Another distressing account was relayed to me of a Sister who wanted to invite some young people on a pilgrimage to world youth day. The pastor told her that "these young people are not fans of Pope Francis". What will the future Church be for them? I never hear those committed to a deep and mystical prayer life criticizing the Pontiff. They know only too well how they will have to give an account of their words and also have the humility and wisdom to see the log in their own eye first. Their example and that of the Saints tells us we should pray and fast. As for me, I can't afford to waste my life in taking political sides when the salvation of my own soul is at stake, and that of those dear to me. That is what I must focus on in the short time allotted to me on this earth. Words spoken and written in love will be the only ones of value I will take with me to God. We are very uncomfortable with the grey areas between the moral commandments of the Church that require the risk to exercise conscience and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis does venture into these areas. Rather we tend to hide behind regulation as if to justify ourselves as "good" Catholics, as if to wear our faith like a hat. That wont save us though any more than the handkerchief buried by the man with one talent saved him. To have faith we must risk, to love we must be vulnerable. I say nothing here about certain remarks made by the Pope that people jump on, either one way or the other, it's no my calling, but I do admire his openness to be vulnerable and somewhat like the first Pope - the apostle Peter, clearly full of a humanity that needs redemption. Pope Benedict too I admire deeply, and commit myself to his intercession. The bottom line though is that you know a tree by it's fruits. The very same Catholics that criticize the current Pontiff are sowing he seeds for a schism, and yet unity is at the very heart of the gospel and the life of the Trinity. Do such people really have faith? If they did they would ret assured in the promise that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church (and has not done so in it's turbulent past) and get on with the urgent mission of inner conversion and the evangelization of lost souls and entrust their other concerns to God in prayer.
The first phrase that really jumped out at me was this one: 'I never hear those committed to a deep and mystical prayer life criticizing the Pontiff.' But how on Earth does the author know who has and who has not, 'A deep and mystical prayer life?' I mean how can he/she tell this? Has he/she some special charism or gift from to do so. Just to look at people and tell things about the depth of someones prayer life? How extraordinary! So if we look at people like the Papal Posse on EWTN, , Cardinal Burke, Bishop Schneider, Bishop Strickland and numerous other Bishops and Cardinals throughout the world that they do not, as a matter of fact, have a deep prayer life? I mean really? Isn't this tantamount to saying that they are not good people? Another thing that springs out is that this article is not signed. It is anonymous. Why? Why has the author not placed his/her name to it? What does it say about their conviction and confidence in what they write. Every time I see something anonymous my respect for the author and their writing plummets. The author at once supposes that: 'There is a spirit of schism crouching at the door of the church' Really? How so? Does that mean simply to ask questions and discuss things is to be schismatic? The author appears to have a very simple bottom line. If you ask questions you are bad. If you don't ask questions and go along with things you are a good person of deep mystical prayer. Black hats and white hats. As simple as that. 'Words spoken and written in love will be the only ones of value I will take with me to God.' But has the author never heard of tough love. Of , for instance, the parents who have to evict their children from their homes. This is love too. To do and say what needs to be said and done. The Heavenly Father Sacrificed His only begotten Son. Love an be hard. Love can be tough. Love can be ruthless. It is not all pink fluttering butterflies and a pleasant scent.
I have a friend who calls a lot of times and we go for a walk in the park with the dog. He has a habit of making little comments or criticisms that make me think. He suggested, for instance that one of the tyres on my pickup was a little bald and might need changing. He suggested my garden needed tidying up. He suggested ways I might clean my appartment a little better and so.. I could take this one of two ways. I could become defensive and resist. Or I could be accepting and think about these things and the things that need changing, changed. Actually I have come to very much value my friends remarks and were needed to act on them. His critique is actually a gift and help me to do things better. He does not mean these these things is a nasty or spiteful way. He is speaking as a friend. Love does critique. For if love does not do critique or feel able to do it, it is not truly love. Galatians 2:11-21 Paul Rebukes Peter at Antioch 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong. 12 Before some men who had been sent by James arrived there, Peter had been eating with the Gentile believers. But after these men arrived, he drew back and would not eat with the Gentiles, because he was afraid of those who were in favor of circumcising them. 13 The other Jewish believers also started acting like cowards along with Peter; and even Barnabas was swept along by their cowardly action. 14 When I saw that they were not walking a straight path in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you have been living like a Gentile, not like a Jew. How, then, can you try to force Gentiles to live like Jews?”
There is information about the author here - what you have linked is from his blog https://godmoment.org/about/ I have had a quick look at his website and he regularly blogs on spiritual life - he says his focus is on interior conversion and personal sanctification and that this should be the priority in all of our lives -- https://godmoment.org/spiritual-passages/ponderings/page/4/
'There is a spirit of schism crouching at the door of the church'. He fails to see that schism is already here and it is not those who are critical of the present Pontiff's leadership style (who are still in the barque of Peter) rather look to the German Church which is already in schism (and Belgium). He ignores the very real problems in the church come from the top with cardinal vs cardinal and bishop vs bishop. The flock is abandoned for a want of shepherds - All of us here on the forum pray and make sacrifices for the Peter and this in itself is an act of charity and mercy.
He also sees the problems in the church as primarily political - between liberal and conservative Catholics - No! It is way beyond that. It is a spiritual battle between good and evil within the body. It is a spiritual chastisement - the smoke of satan is billowing through the Church. I am reminded of Akita "The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres...churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord. "The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of my sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them" We are at the stage where God needs to intervene in Church affairs and world affairs in order to fix the problems - we are living through the Book of the Apocalypse.
It strikes me as dangerous and presumptive to assume that certain people, 'Have a deep mystical prayer life', (like I assume himself) and that others don't. The Holy Spirit loves to surprise. Putting people in boxes makes makes it difficult for Him to come on surprise visits. I put a long post on his comments section. I wonder if he will post it. Perhaps not since I assume he will consider me not to be a person of, 'deep mystical prayer' and hence unworthy.
I have to say though his website is brilliant - and his wee blogs are good and make you think - https://godmoment.org/about/ Interesting bio as well I am a scientist by profession (my PhD is in applied physics, but I work mainly in optics now). I am Married with one daughter. For sure I desired more, but that is how God blessed my wife Elizabeth and I. My daughter and her husband are also walking with the Lord, praise God. I moved to the Denver area in 2002, from Dublin in Ireland, and worked with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Diocesan Ministries for a time before joining the Catholic Community of the Beatitudes around 2005. I wandered into their midst, attracted by their witness to the Spirit and the Bride together. The latter is revealed through living the life of consecration to Mary. Indeed in my home country of Ireland there was never any separation between the Charismatic and the Marian. Life in the Spirit always came with a close relationship to Blessed Mary, Theotokos, mother of God. I have always considered myself Marian Charismatic in that regard. The rosary for me is a deeply contemplative and spirit filled prayer, if prayed from the heart slowly, as is the Jesus prayer in the Eastern rite. While with the Community of the Beatitudes I further received a formation in the spiritual way of Carmel, the spirituality of the Eastern rite (Byzantine Catholic and Orthodox) and of Israel. Recently, I discerned the Lords call to a different direction, through the intercession of French mystic and victim soul, venerable Marthe Robin, whose shrine I visited in March 2020 looking for direction. I remain close to the Community of the Beatitudes and deeply grateful for everything I have received from them. I currently minister in spiritual director, having been formed over 5 years in the Ignatian Method of discernment of spirits at the Lanteri Center in Denver. I ministers also as a Catholic evangelist with my wife, taking the Gospel to the people in public spaces as guided by the Holy Spirit. I asks for prayers from anyone who happens to read this short biography. In these times, for anyone who can read the signs of the times even crudely, it is clear the Church, the body of Christ, is following the head (Jesus), to Calvary. It is now walking the way of Calvary. It will be crucified and appear to die in the eyes of the world but will rise again as the spotless bride to await His return, after He establishes His kingdom in a glorious period to come. This period of unknown duration, is known by many names - "the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart", "the Era of Peace", "the Kingdom of the Divine Will on Earth as it is in Heaven, "the New Humanity of Love "- (coined by the Focolare movement), "The "New "Springtime of the Holy Spirit" (Pope St John Paul II). The Lord has and is revealing this through His Prophets in these times. Indeed Pope St John Paul II , in his apostolic letter, "Tertio Millennio Adveniente" urged us be attentive to what the Lord is revealing to the Church in these times through those endowed with extraordinary charisms. The movements of the Holy Spirit since Vatican II also prophesy the times of the Church through their very charisms though they may not see it. Who knows when Jesus will return. It's not for us to know dates and times, but just seasons. Now is the season to enter more deeply into prayer and witness to the Kingdom, more than ever before, for the sake of others and also for our own sakes, lest even the elect be deceived. You who are reading this, my friend, were chosen to live in the times of revelation, that were the envy of many Saints past. St Grignon de Monfort exclaimed that in these days, God would raise up Saints, with a new Sanctity, that would tower above that of old like the cedars of Lebanon do over little shrubs . A Sanctity spoken about by Jesus to the little daughter of the Divine Will, servant of God Luisa Piccaretta, Saint Faustina, and others, which culminates with the fulfillment of the prayer of Jesus Himself - that the Will of God be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Meanwhile we carry on doing the ordinary things of life with a deepening of desire without speculating, certain of His promise. Yet, my friend, if you could see your mission in this life as God does, it would bring tears of joy. This website is a little contribution to help build the Kingdom with the angle to see God as He is revealed through the beauty of Creation, particularly the Cosmos. There are reflections on the spiritual way and on the fine tuning of the Universe, with accompanying prayer reflections which try to focus the reader to God Himself. He is revealing Himself in these times through every possible avenue including scientific discovery. These amazing discoveries are a gift of His Love for our times since they could only be know with the advent of technology. Glorify Him.
He is no doubt a good person. This particular post though has knocked my nose more than slightly out of joint .
Bobby you are right. Politics has nothing to do with this. It is good versus evil every step down the slippery slope. Our Lady has spelled it out to us over and over. God help us. We are all at the Crucifixion now--watching the Church authorities even as in the days of Jesus--walk by jeering. "Come down off that cross and we will believe you." Christianity without the Cross. Same old temptation. Same old players strutting and fretting their hour upon the stage. I long for the Reign of the Immaculate Heart. I long for light and purity and wholesome love. I long for the world I grew up in and the Church I grew up in--this is a miasma of such toxic darkness I can barely breathe. Our Lady of Good Success told us how it would be and here we are. But the very horror of it tells me the remedy is not far off. She promised us. And never was it known that anyone who fled to her protection implored her help or sought her intercession was left unaided....that's what keeps me going. This poor man is sincere. A man of good will. And very eloquent. But the schism is not crouching by the door. It has been invited in.
I used to think the Pope was trying to emulate Jesus when he ate with sinners and was criticized by the others, but Jesus rebuked them and told them He had come to heal sinners. However, Jesus did NOT sympathize with their sins and tell them to just never mind, it was too hard to stop sinning, go ahead and come to the Sacraments, etc... Jesus told them to STOP sinning and repent! Many many Saints have criticized Popes over the centuries. Saint Catherine of Sienna wrote long letters to the Pope exhorting him to repentance and to resist his evil ways! Cardinal Burke was my diocese Bishop in the late 1990s and I was blessed to have dinner with him and some friends. He is a VERY HOLY man and not afraid to stand up for Christ and Truth. This Pope needs many prayers and criticism, and needs the people to stand up and rebuke his confusing and scandalous ways.
I must admit I feel a little guilty sometimes. I never thought we'd be stuck with a Pope like we have. But I am inclined to think I'd be more guilty if I stayed silent than if I didn't
All the Popes I have known in my lifetime have been saints...up to now. That kinda threw me a little. I expected as a matter of course that any Pope would be a saint. But that isn't true of course. Sometimes they are not. St Catherine of Sienna was more realistic than me, she knew this.
Yes I empathise I actually feel sick - that the church I love so much and would die for has become so compromised it resembles the Church of England -- A bible bases protestant church is beginning to look attractive if one holds strong biblical morality.
I think if we look at the history of the Church we will find all this very common. The problem with today's Catholics is that they need to read the actual Catechism and understand the teachings and also what role that popes have in changing those teachings. Doctrines cannot be changed by a pope or any man in the church. Most catholics today are being bombarded by protestants saying: "where is that in the Bible?"and because they are un-formed in their faith they start to think like protestants. If protestants are so confident in their personal interpretations of the scripture, than why do they differ so much in their teachings with each other on very important things like Baptism, sin, etc? NO, the Holy Spirit FIRST goes to the Church and NOT to individuals on this basis. Why would the Holy Spirit go to someone like say, Martin Luther, and teach him something completely different than the Church holds as Truth? Wouldn't the Holy Spirit be able to better reach the whole flock by working though the Catholic Church? ANYONE who thinks that they are more enlightened by the Holy Spirit than Jesus' Church is filled with pride and the devil goes to town with them, starting by telling them real truths, and when they feel empowered with all this knowledge the devil can then start to tell them lies and they will believe... I would much rather hang out with an atheist than a protestant after years of debate with them, because protestants believe that THEY THEMSELVES are the "church" and all they need is that little voice that they are convinced is the Holy Spirit telling them what they need to do to be saved.
I agree whole heartedly…. What I’m posting below may not belong here but what I’m trying to share is how one can be lead by many truths and once their trust is gained, the devil inserts lies that devastatingly leads people astray. Background…I have a real close friend who is Catholic…her kids went to Catholic school with mine. She actually did the St Louis de Montfort Consecration to Jesus through Mary about 6 years ago. We also are on the same side of politics- loved having Trump as president, believed there was election fraud, never trusted the vaccine, etc. during Covid, we both started to follow different alternative media that supported our views. Only difference is I stayed close to our Mother of God forum, holy Catholic priests and media. Once in a while I would listen to someone who I agreed with but then would start hearing things that didn’t sit right with me so I would veer away. Now…my friend on the other hand, has really gone down some rabbit holes..and I’m sure you’ve heard some of these angles,Vatican is evil, Latin is evil satanic language, Mother Teresa was really a child trafficker, the Holy Eucharist in the Monstrance is really a Pagan ritual, beware of what the priests are really praying under their breath at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. as a result, she now has an aversion to the Mass. she knows I am a devout Catholic and I defend our Church and faith. The topper was this week…she said to me that all the apparitions of Mary were just orchestrated to distract us from Jesus so that we would keep our eyes on Mary. That this is a very evil tactic from the devil. Obviously, whoever she is listening to are probably Protestants. I am beside myself. I’ve been praying hard and very sad about this. When she is telling me this, she will begin to say, “I’m not sure if you want to hear this but….” I tell her whatever she is going to share would not shake my faith so I let her. I do ask her a pointed question….”who then do you believe?”. She answers…”that’s a good question”. It’s just so unsettling. Thanks for letting me share.
Rosalia i have seen those alt news sources that imply all sorts of satanic nefarious history in the Church and current Church happenings. They have called XVI satanic and imply he was always a Nazi. They say the Vatican is part of the vast childctrafficking money laundering power that rules the elite. And on the subject of Our Lady of Fatima----well it would make you spit carpet tacks. It is most likely fundamentslist protestant with a healthy dose of help from the evil one. I don't think any of us here would be surprised at revelations about corruption and darkness in the Vatican. It had been a captured operation since 1963 when evil Cardinals made a consecration to Satan. Even Fr Ripperger and Fr Amorth have acknowledged this. She has been seduced by clever half truths and manipulation. If only she would listen to Fr Ripperger or Fr Reehil or Jesse Romero Kyle Clement and Dan Schneider. They pull no punches. Clear hard solid facts. She is jeopardizing herself. What a shame. The trouble with alt news is there is no filter and no vetting. Anyone can say anything and rabbit holes abound. When you pray for her maybe ask St Louis deMonfort to take her in hand. Her consecration is a powerful protection if only she would invoke it. You are a good friend. Your approach sounds right to me. Gently question. That's all you can do I am guessing.
And THAT is the question: Who can you believe? I put my life on who Jesus told me to believe which is His Church. Lets think of the scenario that the Devil who is way more intelligent than us, also has read the bible. He sees that Jesus says three things are necessary for salvation. One that we are born again which Christ says is being Baptized. Two, that we repent and that the Church alone has the authority to forgive sins or to retain them and also has the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven so we need to get our forgiveness by the Church. Three, that we need to eat the Body and Blood of Christ or we have no life in us. So where do we get those three things? Only through the means Jesus gave us which is His Church. So the devil thinks, Hey let them be comfortable "christians" and go to any church they want as LONG AS IT IS NOT CATHOLIC! So maybe the Lord didn't really mean it when He said those three things, but I for one sure am NOT going to take my chances. My relationship with God is too precious to get this wrong!
