"I will arise, and will go to my father, and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee: I am not worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And rising up he came to his father. And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and running to him fell upon his neck, and kissed him. And the son said to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, I am not now worthy to be called thy son. And the father said to his servants: Bring forth quickly the first robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and make merry: Because this my son was dead, and is come to life again: was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Luke 15:18-23 (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition.)
While browsing the internet I happen by chance to read the article of Dr. Alcuin Reid as featured in the NLM Site about the new approach to the SSPX Question. And his reference to the prodigal Son provided me with new insight into the whole situation. Indeed in many ways the teachings of the gospel is like a gem that pops up in times when we are searching for answers. There were misgivings on the part of those who cannot accept the decision of the Holy Father to lift the censure of excommunication on the four SSPX Bishops. I am very much convinced that when the Holy Father made this decision it was out of paternal mercy and a desire to foster unity. The schism which resulted from the episcopal consecrations in 1988 was a blot in the unity of the Church especially when the events came as a result of questions about the teachings of Vatican II. But the events that led to the lifting of the excommunications has proven that the balm of Mercy is more productive than the use of coercive means of discipline. The Pope has exercised the powers of the Key. The secular world may criticized the Pope and some of the liberal Catholics may criticize also but let it be. The most important is the process of healing has began. The Holy Father has been courageous in making these decisions which the world judges as politically incorrect. But what is the world? As Christians, our standard is the Gospel and not the world. The world is out there and everyone in the world is invited to accept the gospel and be saved. The Pope has done that which is right and he needs our prayers and support. Indeed, I am very grateful to this pope. As a Traditional Catholic I cannot but express my appreciation for his profound understanding of ecclesiology, combined with a sincere and intimate devotion to the Gospel of Christ.
While browsing the internet I happen by chance to read the article of Dr. Alcuin Reid as featured in the NLM Site about the new approach to the SSPX Question. And his reference to the prodigal Son provided me with new insight into the whole situation. Indeed in many ways the teachings of the gospel is like a gem that pops up in times when we are searching for answers. There were misgivings on the part of those who cannot accept the decision of the Holy Father to lift the censure of excommunication on the four SSPX Bishops. I am very much convinced that when the Holy Father made this decision it was out of paternal mercy and a desire to foster unity. The schism which resulted from the episcopal consecrations in 1988 was a blot in the unity of the Church especially when the events came as a result of questions about the teachings of Vatican II. But the events that led to the lifting of the excommunications has proven that the balm of Mercy is more productive than the use of coercive means of discipline. The Pope has exercised the powers of the Key. The secular world may criticized the Pope and some of the liberal Catholics may criticize also but let it be. The most important is the process of healing has began. The Holy Father has been courageous in making these decisions which the world judges as politically incorrect. But what is the world? As Christians, our standard is the Gospel and not the world. The world is out there and everyone in the world is invited to accept the gospel and be saved. The Pope has done that which is right and he needs our prayers and support. Indeed, I am very grateful to this pope. As a Traditional Catholic I cannot but express my appreciation for his profound understanding of ecclesiology, combined with a sincere and intimate devotion to the Gospel of Christ.
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