You would never know these men were those who were called to continue the mission of Jesus Christ here on Earth. Yesterday’s virtual meeting of our bishops was mired in discussions of agendas, filibustering, and talk of the need for unity.
The word “unity” has been thrown around like a weapon. Some keep arguing for unity which essentially means doing nothing to defend Church teaching and doing nothing to stand up for human life.
There are some standouts, such as Archbishop Cordileone. But the certain trumpet he sounds can at times be drowned out by the yawn inducing parliamentary filibustering obfuscations of so many others.
National Catholic Register:
Ahead of this week’s meeting, a number of U.S. bishops had already spoken out about pro-abortion politicians’ reception of communion in light of President Biden’s continuing to receive communion despite his aggressive pro-abortion policies, prominently including San Francisco Archbishop Cordileone. He recently released a pastoral letter on the matter, asking public officials to “stop pretending that advocating for or practicing a grave moral evil — one that snuffs out an innocent human life, one that denies a fundamental human right — is somehow compatible with the Catholic faith. It is not. Please return home to the fullness of your Catholic faith.”
Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, by contrast, wrote in America magazine that denying Communion was “weaponizing” the Eucharist for political ends and that denying someone Communion over their abortion stance represents “a theology of unworthiness and exclusion.”…
Cardinal Cupich — regarded by many observers as the leader of the campaign against commissioning the Eucharistic coherence document — argued that bishops must have “a full discussion” of the proposed statement because “the language within the draft does cause concern, particularly in view of articles and statements made by members of the hierarchy in the United States about demanding that, in fact, we move in this direction.” Implying that the bishops were proceeding in a manner contrary to Rome’s guidance, he said that an “extensive and serene” discussion has “not taken place” on the matter. And, Cardinal Cupich added, “we should also have a discussion with Catholic politicians who have positions that are in conflict with the teachings of the Church to find out why they have those positions. That, too, has not taken place.”
I sincerely pray that the bishops can sound a certain trumpet in defense of human life. I don’t believe they will. But I continue praying.
June 17, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Cardinal Arinze stated that even a 2nd grader knows that a proabort should not receive the Holy Eucharist. If only the Bishops were this wise.
June 18, 2021 at 11:29 am
They have disgraced themselves and at some point will be held to account. It is not the first time in the history of the Church that many of our leaders have failed to measure up but we are assured that the Church will endure. In the meantime, the USCCB is our cross to bear.
June 19, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Confession and repentance comes before Communion.
If a person does not repent and Confess their sins, then Communion is useless, unless you insist on being in communion with the evil one. Abortion is still a grave sin, isnt it? Those that advocate for it are still sinners and so are those those that facilitate it… Christ forgave the good thief on the cross, after he admitted that he deserved the penalty he was suffering, but Jesus in His mercy promised he would be in paradise with Him that day. That alone should be enough to explain that Confession of our sins is needed …. before we take a valid Communion with Him. I dont see some politicians indicating that they even consider abortion a sin….. from the earliest Church, abortion was condemnned and shown as an example of the difference between pagans and Christians, and unlike current popular opinion by the wolves in the Church, Truth endures forever, it isnt relative.
May 21, 2023 at 1:19 pm
Scandal according to our catechism is defined as : by your ACTIONs and WORDS leading others to SIN.
Every Bishop I hope should be acquainted with our catechism.