From Michelle’s And then? blog comes:
two of Fr. Van Deerlin’s comments riveted my attention.
He doesn’t wear a crucifix, even in a relatively friendly Arab country where he
apparently ministers openly, because he “wants to blend in, not offend.” Be sure
to note that his reason for not wearing his crucifix is not that he fears for
his life or that he fears losing the toehold the Church has in the region. He
does not want to offend. “‘We want to be low key,’ Father John explains. ‘I
think it’s better to be low key.'”
Blessed are the low-key for they shall not
offend?
He also refrains from proselytizing. “‘In the Muslim
world, you cannot proselytize, and we respect that,’ he says. His job is to
minister to Catholics, not try to convert Muslims.”
The Great Commission (or in this case the Great Omission): Go out into the
whole world and don’t make waves. You are the stealth fighters of the world. A
city set underground cannot be seen …rejoicing that they were counted worthy
to not suffer at all in his name.
The new Pauline line would be: I have become nothing to no one so that I
might save myself. ..For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God
for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the
Greek, and just possibly I might get around to the Muslims (but don’t quote me
on that).
