I’ve not wanted to comment on the situation with Pope Benedict, mainly because there is much more worthwhile coverage out there in the St. Blog’s parish. But I do support the Pope, and not because of sheep-like brainwashing that makes people squirm; but rather because he has a spine, and said what needed to be said. True, Christians are not exempt from using violence to spread religion but we’ve come to the realization that God is Love, and Love includes not using violence to get your way. It’s sad that the extremists are proving Papa’s point, and I will not lie that I am a little worried about him when he goes to Turkey in November.
But, the gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church. The Church has a responsibility to spread the Gospel, the Good News of the Lord. We have a responsibility to stand up for truth, to stand up for those who are oppressed and poor. And even if the truth hurts to some, we still have a responsibility to let the world know. We are not into hurting people for the sake of hurting them, or being a tyrant (contrary to what Luther’s Catechism may say). We are witnesses to the Gospel, by our baptism we are all part of the Body of Christ. Our goal is to be Christ for each other, to bring the Love of God into the world.
When I was in highschool, I never had my driver’s license. My parents would not let me get my learner’s permit until I was 17. I graduated before I had my driver’s license. I was so mad at my parents for not letting me learn how to drive until I was almost done with highschool. I wanted to go out with my friends, I wanted to have my own car and such. However, my parents recognized two things: 1) I was not mature enough to handle driving and 2) they were not going to hand me a car on a silver platter. I could not afford a car, let alone insurance or anything like that; so they waited until I could – which was when I was 23. As mean as I thought my parents were, and so uncool and just HORRIBLE; looking back I realize that they had my best interests at heart.
The Church has the best interests of mankind in her heart. And even when she looks like a horrible, uncaring, unloving parent; we find out later that if she did give in to what we want; we would have hurt ourselves or other people. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it needs to be told.
I am still Catholic, and still behind my German Shepard 100%. While his speech will definitely divide people both in and out of the Church, it is through division that we become united. We must all pick up our crosses daily and follow Christ. He didn’t sugarcoat His words – He told it like it was. And that is why I support Pope Benedict. He told it like it was.
Please keep Pope Benedict in your prayers, as well as the extremist Islamic groups. I know that there are people of Islam who do keep it peaceful, let us pray that the ones who do feel the need to use the sword to convert people soon realize the peace and love of God.
