Accept changes, do not rely on Law, Pope says in homily
September 05, 2014
In his homily at a morning Mass on September 5, Pope Francis said that the faithful “must not be afraid of change, not even in the Church.”
Jesus makes all things new, the Pope explained, and the Church always needs new wineskins for new wine. The Holy Father contrasted this attitude with the reliance on the Law, of which St. Paul wrote. The Law was a good thing, the Pope said, but Jesus rebuked the scribes for “not caring for the people with the Law, but making them slaves to so many little laws, so many little things that had to be done.”
“The Law cared for the people,” the Pope said, “although as prisoners are cared-for, and the people were awaiting liberty – that ultimate liberty that God would give to His people through his Son.”
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Further information:
- Pope Francis at Mass: Good News brings joy, renewal (Vatican Radio)
- “The Gospel is something new, we should not be afraid of changes in the Church” (Vatican Insider)
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Posted by: Defender -
Sep. 06, 2014 4:38 PM ET USA
There seems to be more people questioning how long the Church will remain true to itself. Vatican II saw many people leave, both laity and clergy. The "changes" that some in the Church speak of and the "laws" they ignore seem to be driving another wedge into the laity and more people are or are willing to leave soon. One of the common responses is that there are many who want us to become like the Episcopalians (gay and female clergy, changeable beliefs, etc). It doesn't seem far-fetched.
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Posted by: unum -
Sep. 06, 2014 9:27 AM ET USA
Holy Father Francis, may we have some clarity please. Jesus was crystal clear when he used the beatitudes to describe the mission of the people of God here on Earth. Vague statements are the language of the political class, not the leader of Christ's Church.
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Posted by: geoffreysmith1 -
Sep. 06, 2014 7:05 AM ET USA
Changes in the Church? Such as what, exactly? A compromise with the culture? A 'revision' of the moral teaching of the Church? It would be nice if we had a Pope who defended the gospel tooth and nail, instead of one who keeps hinting about alterations and amendments and adjustments to the demands of the prevailing culture. Surely I am not the only one who is beginning to lose confidence in Pope Francis?
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Sep. 05, 2014 8:41 PM ET USA
This is being reported by Catholic World News, not the NY Times, the Globe, the Wash. Post, Der Spiegel, or whatever. So, to whom may we turn to learn what The Pope is really talking about?
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Sep. 05, 2014 7:04 PM ET USA
Yes, but what about the case where "big" laws aren't obeyed? What about the times when even our prelates seem to ignore the big laws? Common sense things like the rules that govern communion for public sinners and sexual predators among our clergy. What about those matters? THEY would seem to be a more substantial problem these days than any hangups over "small" laws and rules.
