Comments on: Saturday November 11, 2023: Transcending Nationalism

By: Pip from England

Pip from England — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:10:18 +0000

John C 11/11/23. Concerns clearly put. Fragmentation – I agree but see the greater risk of “liberal -v- conservative” splits. America is a good example with some ultra conservatives seeking to take us back to pre-Vatican II, and some liberals adopting the spirit of the age and secular passing obsessions. In contrast, in England there is ennui and going through the rote, rather than fervour in the Holy Spirit. Jesus clearly said we are one church and unity is important, and that our mission is to spread the Good News (When did we last hear that in a homily or from an individual person?)
Synod process – I do not know enough about it. The concept of involving the laity seems admirable; but then someone has to synthesise worthy ideas, and – more important – judge if they are in line with God’s will. All in all a most difficult task; but one worth trying. We all have more in common than what divides us: if we recognise that rather than our own biases. Keep writing Mr C.

By: John Ciribassi, DVM, Dipl. ACVB

John Ciribassi, DVM, Dipl. ACVB — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 04:39:20 +0000

I personally have a couple concerns over the direction and outcome of this particular synod. One is the idea that this synod has been structured such that the Pope seems to be using it to allow the various regions to make decisions as isolated units separate from the Universal Church. Instead of the direction of the Church coming through the Magisterium structure, the danger is that the Church will fragment if it is governed through the synod model.

Secondly, it seems clear that the Pope is making a strong push to have the Church follow secular trends in society rather than having the Gospel lead the world to knowing the way of truth in Christ. As has been the Church’s mission for over 2,000 years. The truth of the Gospel does not change. Society must conform to those truths as opposed to the Church conforming to ever changing fads of the culture.

By: kev hapner

kev hapner — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 03:22:09 +0000

thanks for reminding us john….,

By: Father John Chang

Father John Chang — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 00:07:58 +0000

The Nov 11 article & its url both say 2024 instead of 2023.

By: Fr John Chang

Fr John Chang — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 00:06:12 +0000

This article & its url both say 2024 instead of 2023.

By: Pip from England.

Pip from England. — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 22:42:02 +0000

A reasonable exposition, Mr C: You are right to be proud of American values, as I am of British values; and at the same time recognize that the unity in Christ transcends national boundaries.

“ [Synodality ,,,,, has me worried about the direction our Catholic Church may be taking”.

The risk is that you indicate disapproval, but do not explain. I do not know the implications and outcome, but could they not be constructive? Pope Francis and others think so. The (I suspect unintended) risk is that we cause division within the body of Christ. Please can you explain your concerns so we are all reassured.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 21:45:27 +0000

Well my thoughts are of a liberal humanist perspective. And I am hopeful not at all concerned about this synod moving forward. I must add that the writer of this column and most of his readers at privileged in many ways whether they recognize this or not. Jesus stated clearly to “love the neighbor as thyself” meaning everyone. Also think carefully about the parable of the Good Samaritan

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:27:06 +0000

This reflection should be in every Catholic bulletin this weekend as we celebrate our veterans and their service and sacrifice to our country. Brilliant Mr C!!!