A Pastoral Message

A Pastoral Message

In what is perhaps the most significant example to date of how Christian faith in America has degraded into a pseudo-faith evinced mainly by a civil type of religion that is more known for its political views are some of the remarks made concerning Pope Francis' messages in the United States. This Pope has brought a new level of compassion and humility to the Catholic Church that has long been absent and maybe never present. Other than his accessibility to the least of these he spoke in the halls of power of servanthood and fealty to the plight of our fellow travelers. In some cases he was accused of bringing a political message by those who seem to be more familiar with the civil form of religion than the faith form.

Some thought that he should have taken a more vocal stance against abortion. This Pope certainly is not going to come out as Pro-Choice but neither is he going to completely write of a person who, in his eyes, has committed a grave sin. His teaching is that after confession that person should be allowed to take the sacrament which seems to be what The Master taught. This brought a great hue and cry from those who, in the practice of their civil religion, want government to legislate what a sinner and God can do. This is not to say that government may not legislate but it suggests that the matter is best left up to the sinner and God and that forgiveness is far more important than we realize.

He spoke on climate change and seemed to indicate that he believes that is happening largely as a result of human actions. His point was that as stewards of God's creation we have a certain obligation to use it for the common good of His people. He suggested that from those to whom much has been given, much is expected in dealing with the impending crisis. Many who disdain the science and unilateral action complained that he should stick to religious matters that fit comfortably into the practice of civil religion.

I listened to many commentators who struggled to get their heads wrapped around his messages because they just did not have a grasp of what a spiritual message is. I wanted to yell at them to go to church, a church that preaches and teaches love, forgiveness and compassion rather than one that organizes political rallies to show candidates how many votes are there. It is the lack of understanding of the basic message of faith that indicates the civil religion that places faith on a par with government.

His message about migration was that we should stretch out our arms to those who are fleeing privation. A message totally at odds with what we hear and see from those seeking political power. They claim that is just not workable or practical which is the same thing I once heard an old deacon say about public confession. It is workable and practical if we are willing to, in his words, humble ourselves and share what we have. Still, I expect that his message will fall on selfish and deaf ears. Oh, some will heed and I am convinced that hearing that message was at least partially responsible for the opening of Speaker Boehner's eyes and his subsequent resignation.

Then the Pope blew off a fancy dinner with V.I.P.s and went to eat with the homeless. He went to visit prisoners. Things just unheard of in our status conscious lives and it made the rest of us look like dirty rags.

What I am trying to say is that to one who is in tune with his faith these were mere pastoral messages but to those who practice the civil religion it sounds like blasphemy.

And then he was off to Rome but his message will resonate. Some lives will be changed but most will return to their familiar. But, it is not an alien message. It is preached every day somewhere.

I am not Catholic and never have been. I do, however, profess Christianity but it was not necessary to be a believer to access the wealth in these messages. It should, however, give one a leg up.

My Take is that as a commentator on public affairs I try to steer clear of religious topics for obvious reasons, not the least of which is my profound belief of the propriety of separation of church and state. I violated that rule in this case because of the message of how we are to relate to our compatriots. A lesson for the ages.