Our times are not very different from those in which Francis lived, and precisely in light of this, his teachings are perhaps even more valid and understandable today. When Christian charity languishes, ignorance spreads like bad habits, and those who extol harmony among peoples do so more out of selfishness than out of a sincere Christian spirit; when the virtual takes precedence over the real, social discord and violence are part of everyday life, and peace becomes more uncertain and distant every day; may this Year of Saint Francis urge us all, each according to our own possibilities, to imitate the Poverello [little poor man] of Assisi, to mold ourselves as much as possible on the model of Christ, to not let the intentions of the Holy Year just passed be in vain: may the hope that saw us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervor of active charity.

Labels: catholic

Very interested in this book about episcopal elections, which used to be nearly universal and now don't exist outside of a few small Eastern jurisdictions. By episcopal election, this means something even before the cathedral chapters picking a biship, where laity voted on the bishop. Hopefully I can pick this up in the near future.

Labels: book, theology

A fascinating look at the debate between the two, and what synodality can mean.

Labels: catholic, theology

We need to be very clear that when we embrace and appeal to tradition, it is the real thing, not a hallucination

What emerges is not tradition, but ideology clothed in religious language. While the aesthetic and symbolic power of these periods is undeniable — and many Catholics, myself included, feel their attraction — the danger lies in mistaking romantic appeal for theological truth, and nostalgia for fidelity.

Labels: catholic

Thus, at the dawn of the new year, the Liturgy reminds us that for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, his mercy and the response of our freedom. It is beautiful to view the coming year in this way: as an open journey to be discovered.

Let's see what we can do this year to mend our ways.

Labels: catholic

May it be filled with interesting articles, and growth in virtue.

Labels: metablogging