Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.

A new Pope seems likes as good of a time as any to bounce back into writing about my thoughts on the Church…. So here we go!

First of all, I can’t help but chuckle to myself over some of the radio and TV discussions I’ve heard.  “Is the new Pope going to change Church teachings on sex?”  “Will this new Pope allow Catholics to use contraception?”  “Is the Church teaching on abortion going to change?”  NO!  I mean, it’s not the Church teaching on abortion that would change, but rather the teachings about the dignity and value of a human life… and I surely hope that won’t change!  While I may have my struggles with some of the Church’s teachings, I can’t help but appreciate some of the beauty of it.  It is deeply rooted in tradition, practiced for hundreds of years, and explained by multiple generations of some of the greatest human minds to have ever existed.  At the core of all of these teachings, I find two very important things: (1) Respect for human life and (2) Commitment—to self-discipline and strict moral code, as well as to a rich historical tradition.  Despite so so sooo many thoughts, I choose to look at one thing, and one thing alone…the innate value and dignity found in every person.  I believe we are in serious danger if the new Pope somehow discerns that those teachings need to be redefined.    

Secondly, I find that little chuckle turning into a gentle smile.  I’ve read a lot of NPR and CNN articles about how the new Pope is from the ‘most conservative’ side of the Catholic Church.  I believe they are referring to ‘modern’ Church teachings such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and married priests.  But I find him to be quite the opposite.  When I look to the example of Jesus, I see a radical man who chose to eat with sinner and tax collectors… who flipped over tables in the synagogue because people were not respecting the house of the Lord…who made the bold statement to give up his own life so that others may live.  THAT is not conservative.  In fact, that is probably the biggest, boldest, most radical example I can think of!  Jesus was a passionate man, a social activist, a pursuer of justice, and an advocate for the marginalized.  In the act of choosing his name alone, Pope Francis chose to totally embody the radical example of Jesus (and St. Francis of Assisi, of course).  While the teachings may be viewed to the public masses as conservative, I am filled with hope for future of our human family.  Our new leader is going to shake up some of the wealth and power that has accumulated in the hierarchy of the Church (how very UNconservative!).  Our new leader is most known for his humility and commitment to the poor.  Our new leader is coming from the culturally-rich, growing community in the Church.  And I've read that our new leader will probably be writing encyclicals that stand up to Rerum Novarum, but for this generation.  With Pope Francis as our guide, I am proud to be part of the Church, and I am filled with eager anticipation for where his heart for justice will take us!   

With the examples of Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi (who is credited for saying this), and the newly elected Pope Francis... now is the time to PREACH THE GOSPEL. IF NECESSARY, USE WORDS!