..When we eventually arrived at the Sistine Chapel on March 12, I was still pondering two or three candidates. However, when the first blank ballot was given to us, and when it was time to write down a name, something powerful–and strange–happened.
I picked up my pen to write, and I began. However, my hand was being moved by some greater spiritual force. The name on the ballot just happened. I had not yet narrowed my thinking down to one name; but it was done for me..
If something kept him from writing his own name down, it just could be a miracle.
Over the weekend Cardinal Mahony had a series of tweets regarding the new Pope while basically disparagingly the liturgical style of Pope Benedict XVI. It is also odd hearing the Cardinal speaking in praise of humulity and how the Church should be poor.
Now the inner snarker in me would say that Cardinal Mahony certainly did a lot to help his diocese to be poorer in regards to settlements and of course the so-called “Taj Mahony” Cathedral. Poor also in the number of vocations.
What facinates me the most though is the contrast of his apprarent persona which seems to bleed pride and his attraction to humility. What is so offputting about his tweets is he does not seem to get the fact that he comes off as prideful. How often though are we totally blind to our faults? Still we can be attracted to virtues that we don’t have and maybe it might even be the virtue that is the remedy to a dominant fault.
In related news Canonist Ed Peters has Some thoughts on conclave leaks and specifically in regards to Cardinals Kasper and Mahony.
7 comments
(((How often though are we totally blind to our faults?)))
These Annoying Super Sinners should do their job and/or get off the pot and remember that there’s only “ONE” Throne!
I hear YA sinner vic! What they need is a Good Lax he tive, I mean laxative NOW!
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2013/03/19/praise-for-melissa-rogers-to-head-faith-based-office/
Go Figure! 🙂
Peace
I agree with Peters that probably a gradation of penalties should be considered. Both Cdl. Kasper and Cdl Mahony said something that adds nothing to our assessment or knowledge of what happened at the Conclave, so, from one point of view, those comments are totally useless. In both cases they are expressing a human desire to share their story, so it is understandable. And yet, could they not zip their mouth, thus giving an example of obedience to JPII and his rules, if nothing else?
So, excommunication no, but maybe a private phone call from Francesco could be warranted. He phoned his newspaper vendor in Buenos Aires and told him to stop delivering the paper, so he could phone them to tell them to stop sending unneeded news around the world. And then hug them 🙂
(((So, excommunication no, but maybe a private phone call from Francesco could be warranted.)))
Well said as a good Christian Roberto.
I hear YA! sinner vic still has a LOT of work to become a good Christian but then he loves to work in the trenches with some cat licks, I mean catholics who truly believe that “Jesus” agrees with their spiritual belief in the real world and sometimes accepts that maybe Victor should just leave these undesirable to be thrown to the wolves.
Go figure NOW? 🙂
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2013/03/18/regarding-francis/
Peace
Sadly, most of Cardinal Mahony’s humility and concern for the poor has gone the way of Pope Pius XII and the Jews during Nazi Germany. Interestingly enough, Cardinal Mahony was considered papabile in the 1990s. I’m sure you can find these articles in the LA Times, Los Angeles Daily News, Chicago Tribune, and other news archives.
What in the world good is Canon Law if you are not going to enforce it? it is clear that Everybody in the Church is Bound by these laws but when they get broken then the penalties have to be applied and yes that includes excommunication. I know it is the ultimate last resort penalty. But when it applies that’s it. BTW I don’t know of those who KNOWINGLY or UNKNOWINGLY would face automatic penalties or if that is done by Church authorities. I have my copy of the Code and it was purchased in 1987, and I see where it has been violated in more than one category. If it is true that Nancy Palosi and Joe Bide did take Communion at the installation Mass than they should also be considered excommunicated. Attracting more flies with “Honey” rather than “Vinegar” does not seem to be working. The Code is 30 years old now.
That’s exactly the point. When the penalty is not administered because it is thought excessive, the rule must be changed, lest the whole Code ends up being ignored. That is what Peters is suggesting. I just added a semi-humorous suggestion for how to do that.
normally, I like to correct people when they use “take” with Communion; we “receive” Communion. However, in the case of Biden and Pelosi, “take” is quite appropriate….