Orthodoxy.
Often this word makes me smile, with respect, but also with discomfort. The ultimate 'clinging', me thinks. Those unwilling to let go. Their resolve can preserve ancient traditions and cultural expressions, but it often seems to be from the inside of a well fortified mental resolve never to bend. Exclusionist in attitude, arrogant and very much fearful, there will be no surrender.
I consider the current discussions between the Vatican and the traditionalist Catholic group Society of St Pius X (SSPX). Reading about people's feelings about the possible inclusion back into the Church and their discontent about changes made to the Church and worship after Vatican II, i get the impression that they see themselves as orthodox Catholics, indeed, some even make this statement.
When the early church first split, how emotions must have run high! Greek versus Latin, East versus West. Then again division in the Reformation. 'United we stand, divided we fall' is the saying, so too with Christ, me thinks.
In today's reading from Acts 5, the Pharisee Gamaliel warns his brothers of the Jewish high court before they would condemn two apostles to death: For if this endeavour or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.
What is the voice of God versus the voice of ego? Goodness versus Self-preservation? Love versus fear? Compassion versus anger? Wisdom versus blind Self-interest?
The Jesuits of Ireland comment on this reading from Acts in this way:
This kind of phenomenon occurs constantly and is frequently seen in our Church and, like Gamaliel, we should have confidence in the principle that, in the long run, the truth will always prevail. We sometimes get very concerned about new ideas or new movements that surface in our Christian communities but the same principle applies.
In current debates about married priests, women priests, problems about marriage and sexuality we should be confident that in the long run the truth and justice here too will win out, whatever decisions are made. (Sacred Space)
What is seen as liberal now, may well be seen as orthodox in the future. Everything of man and of this world is in constant change. Change is a fact of life. It is change that frees us, but can cause much suffering. I'm not for throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but if change is a part of life, than to resist it would be foolish. Embrace the good in change, try with wisdom and compassion to guide that change which might seem to be less desirable. Indeed, wisdom is required to direct the changes that we can affect. Love is needed to accept the changes over which we have no control. Let us pray for balance between the two. Let us fight less with our brothers and neighbours and listen more to each other and to the Holy Ghost.
Deo gratias.
Often this word makes me smile, with respect, but also with discomfort. The ultimate 'clinging', me thinks. Those unwilling to let go. Their resolve can preserve ancient traditions and cultural expressions, but it often seems to be from the inside of a well fortified mental resolve never to bend. Exclusionist in attitude, arrogant and very much fearful, there will be no surrender.
I consider the current discussions between the Vatican and the traditionalist Catholic group Society of St Pius X (SSPX). Reading about people's feelings about the possible inclusion back into the Church and their discontent about changes made to the Church and worship after Vatican II, i get the impression that they see themselves as orthodox Catholics, indeed, some even make this statement.
When the early church first split, how emotions must have run high! Greek versus Latin, East versus West. Then again division in the Reformation. 'United we stand, divided we fall' is the saying, so too with Christ, me thinks.
In today's reading from Acts 5, the Pharisee Gamaliel warns his brothers of the Jewish high court before they would condemn two apostles to death: For if this endeavour or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.
What is the voice of God versus the voice of ego? Goodness versus Self-preservation? Love versus fear? Compassion versus anger? Wisdom versus blind Self-interest?
The Jesuits of Ireland comment on this reading from Acts in this way:
This kind of phenomenon occurs constantly and is frequently seen in our Church and, like Gamaliel, we should have confidence in the principle that, in the long run, the truth will always prevail. We sometimes get very concerned about new ideas or new movements that surface in our Christian communities but the same principle applies.
In current debates about married priests, women priests, problems about marriage and sexuality we should be confident that in the long run the truth and justice here too will win out, whatever decisions are made. (Sacred Space)
What is seen as liberal now, may well be seen as orthodox in the future. Everything of man and of this world is in constant change. Change is a fact of life. It is change that frees us, but can cause much suffering. I'm not for throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but if change is a part of life, than to resist it would be foolish. Embrace the good in change, try with wisdom and compassion to guide that change which might seem to be less desirable. Indeed, wisdom is required to direct the changes that we can affect. Love is needed to accept the changes over which we have no control. Let us pray for balance between the two. Let us fight less with our brothers and neighbours and listen more to each other and to the Holy Ghost.
Deo gratias.
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