Caring for truth

By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Jun 16, 2016

Speaking of papal homilies, there is this:

It is true that the Church always has a duty to try to obtain a deeper understanding of the unfathomable mysteries of God (which are so rich in their saving effects) and to present them in ways even more suited to the successive generations. However, in fulfilling this inescapable duty of study and research, it must do everything it can to ensure that Christian teaching is not damaged. For if that happened, many devout souls would become confused and perplexed—which unfortunately is what is happening at present.

This was said on June 30, 1968 by Pope Paul VI, who—while unquestionably holy—was without a doubt the weakest occupant of the See of Peter in the twentieth century. On another occasion, he lamented that the only thing he had been able to do for the Church is suffer.

The great thing about Paul VI is that he was thoroughly aware of his limitations, and so refused to play to his weaknesses. It was frustrating at the time but, in retrospect? The legacy of a saint.