“The Vatican lobby threat goes beyond sexual orientation”

Taken from Vatican Insider

In an interview with “Vatican Insider”, American Vaticanista John Allen weighs in on Pope Francis’ comments about the “gay lobby” in the Vatican.

What do you think the Pope meant? 
 
“It’s important to remember that the “gay lobby” phrase came up in the context of the Vatileaks scandal, when the big question was who’s behind it.

The theory was that maybe gays were involved, not because they’re gay, but because somebody with a secret to keep could be vulnerable to pressure and blackmail.

The concern isn’t really sexual orientation, but whether somebody is working against the pope’s interests.”

How is this lobby functioning inside the Vatican? 
 
“I’m not sure it’s really a “lobby” … I doubt they have meetings or a secret handshake.

However, people leading a double life – whether it’s about sex, money or anything else – often feel a natural affinity with one another.”

Is this comment related to the Pope’s effort to reform the Curia, to the sexual abuses, or both?
 
“It’s related to reform of the Roman Curia, in that Francis wants to make sure decisions are being made for the right reasons and not because of hidden pressures.”

When do you expect him to implement his reform  and what is the key for the reform?
 
“He’s obviously talking his time, but he clearly understands that he was elected on a reform mandate by Cardinals from around the world who were fed up with what they saw as bad management in the Vatican.”

How are his actions so far perceived in the United States?
 
“To date, Francis has very high approval ratings in America.

One recent poll found that 82 percent of American Catholics like the Pope, and given how divided American Catholics usually are, that’s a minor miracle.”

Scola warns against European decline as Church and society grow old and tired

“Europe is facing a decline; its civil society and Churches are tired and old. We have to radically rethink ourselves,” Milan’s archbishop, Cardinal Angelo Scola told Italian newspaper La Stampa in an interview ahead of the Oasis meeting on religious freedom, State secularism and Francis’ focus on the importance of poverty in the Church.

Are the Turkey protests the latest chapter in the “Arab Spring”? 
 
“It’s a civil protest triggered by a number of factors, including an attempt to Islamise the country and growing authoritarianism. It is another warning sign which Europe needs to take very seriously.”

The West wanted to export democracy but now it finds itself helpless in the face of the massacre going on in Syria…

“The crucial thing is to listen: Bishops in the Middle East are against armed intervention and believe that we Westerners have not been correctly informed about the so-called “rebels”, many of whom belong to fundamentalist groups. Of course the serious differences dividing Shiite and Sunni Muslims in that entire area are clear for everyone to see.”

Why do the Christians in these countries often miss the old regimes?

“Because they had always been guaranteed freedom and protection under these authoritarian regimes. But this does not justify dictatorships and the atrocities they commit. But we Westerners must resist the temptation to just chat about this in sitting rooms over a cup of tea, thinking we can make judgements about situations we know largely nothing about. “Exporting democracy” is an unrealistic choice. What is needed is more time, patience and a different conception of relations between these people and Europe.”

Why is Europe standing by and watching when Western Christians have lost their voice?

“Europe’s civil society and our Churches are tired and old. And it’s understandable: we have the weight of centuries of complex situations and issues on our shoulders. We don’t like to admit it but Europe is facing a decline. What we need is a new synthesis. Providence has given us a big wake up call with the new Pope who is proposing we start over, going right back to our basic experience as human beings. Europe’s Churches need to find the courage to see this as a starting point.”

How do you view the relationship between secular society and religions? 
 
“As Christians we do not expect any special treatment. But this does not mean institutional powers should neutralise religions and cultures creating a sort of no man’s land. Positive neutrality needs to be shown when dealing with religions and cultures. Both are of a public nature and must be able to express this nature and to compare themselves with other visions of reality, in view of achieving mutual recognition.”

Some say Christians have their own ideas about family and others should be free to stick by their own beliefs.

“Of course” But if that means we Christians are deprived of the chance to have our say on such subjects, then that is very wrong. If I am convinced that a family based on marriage between a man and a woman and open to life is good for society and I don’t share this vision, then I deprive society of something. This is of primary importance and yet it is not understood. And attempts to neutralise certain principles that are essential to Christians, show a lack of understanding of the dynamism of a pluralistic society. In order for efficient lawmaking to take place, moderate but consistent comparisons are paramount.”

There is constant talk about the recognition of same-sex unions… 

“To guarantee individual rights to everyone is one thing. To attack the family either directly or indirectly is quite another.”

Don’t you think that in politics Christians have only focused on certain “non negotiable” values, neglecting others?
 
“Principles have an order of importance: Human vision comes first and then social life which derives from this. But even St. Thomas said goods are meant for everyone, so all of these goods, even private ones are on loan. If I am a just person, when I decide to buy something, I cannot ignore the problem of hunger in the world. Europeans need to rethink the complex topic of finance in relation to production. We have looked at the relationship between ethics and politics but not the relationship between economics and politics. We allow ourselves to be subjected to the whims of the market as if it were a natural necessity and not a cultural thing.”

What are your impressions of the first three months of Francis’ pontificate?

“I am impressed by the strength of his testimony, by his lifestyle and by the way he is with people. I think this is a great gift. He also seems to be aware of the importance of decision-making and is able to take decisions.”

What about the Pope’s explosive speech to the Italian Episcopal Conference? Don’t you think it was underrated? 

“Francis represents a powerful provocation for all faithful and bishops are above all faithful. Providence has given us this wake up call. Each one of us is trying to follow the Pope in our own personal way. It’ll take some time…”

The Pope has spoken against the sickness of self-referentiality, inviting us to come out of ourselves…

“This is a serious problem. We really are too self-referential on all levels. Since last October we have been working on new pastoral project titled “Il campo è il mondo” (The field is the world) because we realise that the great vitality present in our communities often finds us self-occupied. We are busy with so many initiatives but we are not always able to be true witnesses. But going out does not mean creating neutral spaces, it means testifying that Jesus is the good news for today’s humanity, for the difficulty it has to love, for the hurt caused by relationships, for the demographic freeze we are faced with, for the inability to build justice and create work for young people and for the superficial reasoning seen in politics.”

What do you think of Francis’ call for a poor Church? 
 
“The reason our Churches are not poor is because of our complex history: just think of the importance attributed to bureaucracy in the Church’s various bodies. Poverty implies a balance between the means and an end. Church life needs to go back to basics, it needs to be sober and focused on proclaiming the Gospel, leaving aside all that is superfluous.”

What do you think of the Pope’s decision to appoint eight cardinal advisors? 

“Benedict XVI’s prophetic resignation was also a wake up call: One man alone cannot deal with a  task of such monumental importance. In the pre-Conclave discussions we decided – without wishing to undermine the Pope’s primacy – that it would be opportune for the new Pope to find new ways of leading the Church. The creation of this group is a positive thing and I think other moves could be taken in this direction.”

Daily Reflections 18th June 2013

Motivation to Work

Posted: 18 Jun 2013 06:30 AM PDT

Today’s Gospel Text:  “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 16 “And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matt 6:1-6, 16-18

Reflection: Abraham Harold Maslow, in the year 1943, would never have proposed the theory of “hierarchy of needs” (Theory of human motivation), if humans did not work on motivating factors.

There are various things that motivate a human, what we in simple terms would call the ‘reward factor’.

There are philosophies and ideologies that seek to destroy these motivating factors totally and thus seek the enlightenment or the self actualization.

Some explicitly discourage any forms of desires and some even explicitly state that one should work without seeking a reward.

In the gospel passage Jesus promises his disciples, rewards, and in the process communicates the higher goals of life and the sort of reward we need to seek in life and for what purpose.

In other words, if there is any effort to shun rewards then it is those rewards which lead us to doom. Instead, we need to seek the higher reward which God has in store for us and for our good, for all eternity.

In the examples given by Jesus we can thus understand that, in any circumstances, we should not seek the reward of men’s approval when performing acts of kindness.  But instead, seek the definite reward which has God’s approval and his offer of a sure hope which he has prepared for those who love him.

In other words, the motivation of our actions should be animated by the reward that God has in store for each one of us.

It is a sure reward proved and signed in the covenantal blood of Jesus Christ as seal for all eternity, proved by his death on the cross.

We would be foolish not to seek our self actualization by seeking to do God’s will and to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Prayer: The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. Ps 16:5-6 (NRSV)

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Daily Reflections – 17th June 2013

Path of Perfection

Posted: 17 Jun 2013 07:53 AM PDT

 

Today’s Gospel Text: ”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt 5:43-48

 

Reflection: Again and again we come across people who ask: If there is a God then why does he allow evil; murder, killing, mass destruction, terrorism, rape, incest, robbing the poor, corruption, etc.,

 

On the other hand you have hunger, disease, sickness, and untoward deaths; the pain of separation, someone losing their near and dear ones.

 

The hardness of human hearts towards their neighbor further adds to the complicated scenario.

 

Further, to add to the complications, there are the self-styled god-bashers who never lose an opportunity to bash-up God or even if they would want to acknowledge one then they prefer to create their own gods; a religion of humanism which ultimately is destructive of humanity.

 

Some even think that they can do better than God and historically speaking there is nothing new in these human assertions, based on pride.   

 

Jesus the revelation of God, who came to reveal to us the truth about God, gives us an understanding about God both in himself and his action and also in this passage of scripture above.

 

If God were what Jesus reveals then evil is bound to flourish and may even increase to a level which God can endure because his love tolerates and respects the freewill given to man. 

 

His endurance is seen at Calvary, when he endured the blasphemies of men, the physical and verbal tortures the wicked men subjected him to.

 

Yet, he put into practice what he also taught his beloved and dedicated disciples;

 

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”  (vss. 44-45)

 

And he did put into practice what he taught, even at that moment when the greatest ever evil perpetuated by men, when they crucified the most innocent man in the history of humanity:

   

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

 

Prayer: Help me Lord to walk the path of perfection which you have taught through your own example.

 

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

Paedophilia: Hague rejects request to investigate Ratzinger

Joseph Ratzinger

The International Criminal Court has rejected a bid to investigate into Benedict XVI’s alleged complicity in the U.S. paedophilia scandal

vatican insider staff
Rome

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has turned down a bid to bring charges against Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for the “Vatican hierarchies’” alleged complicity in the “sex abuse scandal” in the U.S. Catholic Church, Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire reported this morning.

 

The Hague ruled that “the Court does not have jurisdiction over this issue,” after an appeal was presented to it by a New York-based association.

 

Jeffrey Lena, the attorney representing the Holy See, called the complaint a “ludicrous publicity stunt and a misuse of international judicial processes.”

Pope at Mass: The hard lesson of loving our enemies

It is hard to love our enemies, but that is exactly what God is asking us to do, said Pope Francis at Mass Tuesday morning. He said we must pray for those who hate us and have done us wrong, ‘that their heart of stone be turned to flesh, that they may feel relief and love’. God lets sun shine and rain fall on the good and the bad, on the just and the unjust and, the Pope added, we must do the same or else we are not being Christian.

Pope Francis began his homily, with a series of questions that encompassed some of the most pressing dramas of humanity. How can we love our enemies? The Pope asked, how can we love those who decide to “bomb and kill so many people?” And again, how can we “love those who out of their for love money prevent the elderly from accessing the necessary medicine and leave them to die”? Or those who only seek “their own best interests, power for themselves and do so much evil?” “It seems hard to love your enemy,” he noted, but Jesus asks it of us. This current liturgy, he said, proposes “Jesus’ updating of the law”, of the law of Mount Sinai with the Law of the Mount of Beatitudes. The Pope also pointed out that we all have enemies, but deep down we too we can become enemies of others:

“We too often we become enemies of others: we do not wish them well. And Jesus tells us to love our enemies! And this is not easy! It is not easy … we even think that Jesus is asking too much of us! We leave this to the cloistered nuns, who are holy, we leave this for some holy soul, but this is not right for everyday life. But it must be right! Jesus says: ‘No, we must do this! Because otherwise you will be like the tax collectors, like pagans. Not Christians. ‘”

So how can we love our enemies? Pope Francis noted that Jesus, “tells us two things”: first look to the Father who “makes the sun rise on evil and good” and “rain fall on the just and unjust”. God “loves everyone.” And then he continued, Jesus tells us to be “perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect”, “imitate the Father with that perfection of love.” He added Jesus “forgive his enemies”, “does everything to forgive them”. He warned that taking revenge is not Christian. The Pope asks But how can we succeed in loving our enemies? By praying. “When we pray for what makes us suffer – the Pope said – it is as if the Lord comes with oil and prepares our hearts for peace”:

“Pray! This is what Jesus advises us:’ Pray for your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Pray! ‘. And say to God: ‘Change their hearts. They have a heart of stone, but change it, give them a heart of flesh, so that they may feel relief and love ‘. Let me just ask this question and let each of us answer it in our own heart: ‘Do I pray for my enemies? Do I pray for those who do not love me? ‘If we say’ yes’, I will say, ‘Go on, pray more, you are on the right path! If the answer is’ no ‘, the Lord says:’ Poor thing. You too are an enemy of others! ‘. Pray that the Lord may change the hearts of those. We could say: ‘But this person really wronged me’, or they have done bad things and this impoverishes people, impoverishes humanity. And following this libe of thought we want to take revenge or that eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth“.

Pope Francis reaffirmed, it’s true that love for our enemies “impoverishes us”, because it makes us poor “like Jesus”, who, when he came to us, lowered himself and became poor” for us. The Pope noted that some could argue this was not a good deal “if the enemy makes me poorer” and of course, “according to the criteria of this world, it is not a good deal.” But this, he said, is “the path Jesus travelled” who from rich became poor for us. In this poverty, “in this Jesus’ lowering of himself – he said – there is the grace that has justified us all, made us all rich.” It is the “mystery of salvation”:

“With forgiveness, with love for our enemy, we become poorer: love impoverishes us, but that poverty is the seed of fertility and love for others. Just as the poverty of Jesus became the grace of salvation for all of us, great wealth … Let us think today at Mass, let us think of our enemies those who do not wish us well: it would be nice if we offered the Mass for them: Jesus, Jesus’ sacrifice, for them, for those who do not love us. And for us too, so that the Lord teaches us this wisdom which is so hard, but so beautiful, because it makes us look like the Father, like our Father: it brings out the sun for everyone, good and bad. It makes us more like the Son, Jesus, who in his humiliation became poor to enrich us, with his poverty. “

Todays Reflections- 16th June 2013

Weak God

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 06:47 AM PDT

Today’s Gospel Text: ”You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. Matt 5:38-42

Reflection: These above teaching of Jesus sounds so easy, but literally speaking so difficult to practice or at times even impossible if it is literally interpreted and sought to be practiced.

Yet there have been a few who have been found perfect in practicing  it, yet, it is indeed a very high standard set by Jesus Christ for his followers.

The practice of these teachings of Jesus Christ has been rendered all the more difficult in our time when the very followers of Christ have become the instrument of such evil and make demands for justice and a corruption free atmosphere and on the other hand practice the very evil they preach against.

How can anyone not resist evil? They say and logically put forward a proposition for our times: to not resist evil is to promote evil; to not resist injustice is to promote injustice and to not resist corruption is to promote corruption, to not speak out against the evil is to promote evil.

So very true; does it not contradict what Jesus has to teach us?

It requires a serious reflection on the part of the Christians whether to follow the ideals of Christ Jesus, which to the world are no ideals but foolishness or to follow the idealism of the world which is always practiced and is still practiced and is logically and morally tenable in the name of justice, at least to the human eye.

Hence many have raised a cry to achieve the idealistic and are striving to accomplish a kingdom of justice, peace and brotherhood.

It is still a choice before us: whether we listen to God, which in reality means to trust God to accomplish his justice and truth in his time or to trust man.

As someone said: he is slow but never late!

St. Paul extolling the wisdom of God’s working praises the foolishness of God thus: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Cor 1:25

Prayer:  Lord, we believe that no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against you, though the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to you. (cfr. Prov 21:30-31)