Who Doesn’t Need a Comeback?
Seeing God’s plans unfold as our 85-year-old Pope Emeritus passes the reins of the papacy to his successor electrifies me as a Catholic. The humble act displays the beauty of our faith with all its glory and mystery on the world’s stage. Eight years ago, the emotional and vivid images of Pope John Paul II’s declining health and death was imprinted in my soul. This was followed by the week long anticipation of the white smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel during the papal conclave, signifying that a new pope has been elected.
Seeing the grandeur and universality of The Roman Catholic Church while at the same time feeling the personal touch of a loving father dedicated to preserving and proclaiming truth and the path to everlasting life sends chills up my spine.
Excited that my Catholic kids will experience this once or twice a lifetime event, I’m curious how a non-Catholic really takes it all in.For the real story you have to sift through what is actually being said….and what is really being said.
For my emotional balance, I limit the secular media I ingest on this topic. Some journalists are fascinated by Pope Benedict XVI’s supposed high brow fashion sense. Meanwhile, the recent Associated Press article reminded me why I was on a low calorie press diet. The opening paragraph of an article, “Catholics ponder future with next pope” mentioned the Church in “dire need of a comeback”.
What is objective journalism about the statement, “a Church in dire need of a comeback”? It’s certainly okay to print that, but isn’t that more appropriate in the editorial page?
Quite frankly, who—whether a person or an organization— couldn’t use a “comeback” anyway? I recognize the Catholic Church isn’t perfect. What organization is? What religion is? I could use a “comeback” right now into better eating and exercise habits to reduce some undesirable lumps that have surfaced since I’ve slacked off.
The person who labels the Catholic Church in such “dire” condition broadcasts to me that they have personal issues that are triggered by what the Catholic Church stands for. There is no need to put down the Church or anything else if you are comfortable in your own skin.
I have no problem with constructive criticism—as long as there is an equal application of it. So, when you hear someone put down the Catholic Church, with love recognize and pray for them as the hurting soul they reveal themselves to be.
Tune in next time to get the bottom line of why people put down the Catholic Church and what you can do about it.
The Catholic Women’s Guide to Healthy Relationship Tip: Recognize a tender soul, particularly someone putting down the Church, and pray for God to give you just the right touch in your response.
