Update:
I'm getting asked on Twitter about this. I'm just being weird folks. The title is a David Bowe song. I'm praying for all these guys, I think probably only one would make a good pope. Most of them I'm afraid of the possibility.
Agreed. One of them perhaps would be the man that turn the Church around ~ God only knows. The others are indeed a scary thought. Thankfully, the "scary" ones don't stand a chance (I pray).
I am assuming this is a group photo of all the US Cardinals in Rome. News reports commonly mention "11 voting Cardinals" from the US. There are 11 guys in this photo but I think I see Cardinals McCarrick and Egan, they are over 80 I am certain. Who is missing? Cardinal George maybe?
Also, sorry to sound miserly but who pays for the airfare, lodging, dinner tabs etc. for these retired guys (who play no role in the conclave) to get to hang out in Italy for a few weeks in late winter? I mean yes I guess it is nice that they were there to say some last good byes to Pope Benedict (whose liturgical vision they worked so tirelessly to implement?) for 3 seconds but beyond that why are they there? I really hope they paid this out of pocket, or at-least through gifts from generous and wealthy friends/donors. McCarrick gets along great with the Kennedys after-all.
Prayers for the conclave can be offered from anywhere, and even "wisdom" and "advice," should the voting Cardinals seek it, can probably make it across the ocean via email, telephone, etc.
For most Catholics outside of Italy, even in wealthy America, a pilgrimage to Rome is either an impossible dream or the result of years of scrimping, saving, prayer, sacrificing and careful planning.
Making the assumption that we can automatically remove the over-80 American Cardinals, as well as Mahony and Rigali, from the discussion of being voted for, they all have some positive things they really could bring to the job and they deserve a place in the valid discussion of where the Spirit is leading the Church, and what is best in the eyes of the 115 voters.
I do not want to come off like I would be thrilled about a papacy run by the bulk of these men, but I'm not one to immediately dismiss the qualities and talents of the whole lot.
Try a little experiment this Sunday. Let the collection basket pass by without putting anything in it. Then do the same with your taxes. See if you can tell the difference in response from the Church and the IRS.
The government takes "your" money then spends it.
You "give" the church money. Once the coins hit the basket it is no longer your money - you freely gave it away. What the Church does with its money is of little consequence to me. That doesn't mean that certain church officials won't be held accountable on Judgement Day for how they spent their resources.
5 comments:
Agreed. One of them perhaps would be the man that turn the Church around ~ God only knows. The others are indeed a scary thought. Thankfully, the "scary" ones don't stand a chance (I pray).
I am assuming this is a group photo of all the US Cardinals in Rome. News reports commonly mention "11 voting Cardinals" from the US. There are 11 guys in this photo but I think I see Cardinals McCarrick and Egan, they are over 80 I am certain. Who is missing? Cardinal George maybe?
Also, sorry to sound miserly but who pays for the airfare, lodging, dinner tabs etc. for these retired guys (who play no role in the conclave) to get to hang out in Italy for a few weeks in late winter? I mean yes I guess it is nice that they were there to say some last good byes to Pope Benedict (whose liturgical vision they worked so tirelessly to implement?) for 3 seconds but beyond that why are they there? I really hope they paid this out of pocket, or at-least through gifts from generous and wealthy friends/donors. McCarrick gets along great with the Kennedys after-all.
Prayers for the conclave can be offered from anywhere, and even "wisdom" and "advice," should the voting Cardinals seek it, can probably make it across the ocean via email, telephone, etc.
For most Catholics outside of Italy, even in wealthy America, a pilgrimage to Rome is either an impossible dream or the result of years of scrimping, saving, prayer, sacrificing and careful planning.
Making the assumption that we can automatically remove the over-80 American Cardinals, as well as Mahony and Rigali, from the discussion of being voted for, they all have some positive things they really could bring to the job and they deserve a place in the valid discussion of where the Spirit is leading the Church, and what is best in the eyes of the 115 voters.
I do not want to come off like I would be thrilled about a papacy run by the bulk of these men, but I'm not one to immediately dismiss the qualities and talents of the whole lot.
Agreed, each men has certain laudable gifts.
Try a little experiment this Sunday. Let the collection basket pass by without putting anything in it. Then do the same with your taxes. See if you can tell the difference in response from the Church and the IRS.
The government takes "your" money then spends it.
You "give" the church money. Once the coins hit the basket it is no longer your money - you freely gave it away. What the Church does with its money is of little consequence to me. That doesn't mean that certain church officials won't be held accountable on Judgement Day for how they spent their resources.
Post a Comment