I just read a scary article about religious indifferentism which made it seem as if the whole Church is way off course, and many are going to hell as a result. Now, I may be seen as religiously indifferent to say so, but I don’t think like this.
The way I see it is that we are all stumbling around in the barren wilderness at night, looking for our Heavenly home. We see a light up ahead, and stumble towards it through the treacherous terrain. As we get closer, we make out the outline of a house. The light we are seeing is shining from some upstairs windows around the back. Never mind, it helps us to get close so that we can examine the whole vast edifice. As we walk around it, we grasp just how huge a house it is, with room for billions. We notice some people up makeshift ladders trying to break in at the windows, but with no success, though they call many to join in their fruitless efforts. Perhaps some of those up the ladders are burglars?
We carry on past. Suddenly, we see that we are at the front door. It happens to be unlocked, but we knock out of politeness. It opens and we are dazzled by the light from inside.
“Welcome in!”, we are greeted by the Lord of the manor, in a kindly familiar way. “What took you so long?”. He laughs, knowingly.
Our Host embraces us. Then he says, “Would you do me a big favour and go back out to find all those still lost out there? They are all invited to my party!
If you help me in this, I shall have you join me at the high table. Please help me, for I must stay here, and keep the lights burning.
Catholicism Pure & Simple 
Well, your vision is certainly more cosy and comforting, BB. But is it closer to the truth?
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Closer to the truth than what, Mimi?
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Dear Mimi,
I cannot be alone in sensing a certain skittishness amongst the sheep.
The Good Shepherd is Christ. The clergy, including the Pope, are only the sheepdogs.
We have a new chief sheepdog. He is very different from his predecessors. Perhaps he has some new secret way of guiding the sheep that we are not familiar with.
He has the letters SJ branded on his rump. Is that significant?
Look, I am just a donkey, and too much speculation is above my pray-grade.
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Brother Burrito, excellent post that gives all of us a lot to ponder. You are absolutely correct that the core of Catholic faith is following Christ and developing a personal relationship with him. However, I also believe that the differences between Pope Francis and Pope Benedict are much smaller (and entirely related to style, not substance on which they are 100% aligned) than many are making them out to be.
Pope Benedict had a long and distinguished career as a theologian and then as head of the CDF. In these roles, he did an outstanding job of explaining the faith. In his role of the CDF he developed a certain reputation primarily because his role was to identify and correct those whose teachings deviated from the Magisterium.
When he became Pope however, he still was a great teacher but his role changed to that of pastor. There are many
— Both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict constantly talk of a relationship with Christ and spreading this message to the broader world that is largely secular and hostile to Christianity.
— Both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict gave open interviews to journalists that generated controversy. For example, Pope Benedict made the statement in his interview with Peter Seewald that a male prostitute who uses a condom can “be a first step in the direction of moralization”.
— Both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict are power examples of humility. Pope Francis for his many small but profound symbols of modesty and Pope Benedict for his extraordinary example of listening to the Holy Spirit and surrendering his own position of power when he was able to recognize the task of the Church ahead and acknowledging that his physical condition made another person more suited for the task.
In many ways Pope Francis is more traditional than Pope Benedict. He talks about the devil a lot and encourages frequent confession (that is clearly his Jesuit background).
We have been blessed to have a series of outstanding leaders of the Church. We should continue to support them and be living examples of Christ in a world that is hostile to the message.
Peace,
W. Ockham
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Skittishness? SKITTISHNESS???
I’m f@€&ing terrified!
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