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Any questions? Erm, yes: Could you and Greg please sing ''Go Ahead and Cry'' by the Righteous Brothers?
He That Was Her But is He
We've just been reading about Pope Francis' latest interview during the return flight from Georgia and Azerbaijan.
It seems that many commentators have already highlighted the serious problem of Pope Francis speaking about the woman who had a ''sex-change'' operation to appear as a ''man'', as well as his reference to him (sorry, her!) as having ''married'' another woman.
The above phrase, ''He that was her but is he'', is not the title of the latest rap-song. It is actually taken from Pope Francis' in-flight interview. It must rank among the most unique of papal quotations in all of 2,000 years of Church history.
Saying One Thing and the Other...
Although it is good to see that Francis had spoken out against the indoctrination of children with ''gender theory'' in schools - and his words about accompanying people in pastoral care could possibly be understood in an orthodox manner due to his discussion of confession and Holy Communion - his other off-the-cuff references effectively undermine any good that may have been achieved.
For example, the mainstream media is already replete with unnuanced headlines about Pope Francis saying that the Church must accept ''gays and transgenders''. One can readily see how that will be understood in parishes like St. Michael's in Athy, Co. Kildare...
As with so many other of Francis' interviews, it is this relativistic simplification, rather than the Church's full and clear teaching, which will be remembered by millions around the world. As we've said before, such headlines also make it very hard for orthodox Catholics who are attempting to bear witness to the beauty of the Faith in the workplace, or to young people through parish catechesis.
The Sin of Proselytism?
All of which leads us to a second problematic aspect of the in-flight interview, which seems to have been overlooked so far in light of all the discussion generated by the above episode.
In answer to a seminarian's question about ecumenism, Pope Francis responded: ''Be open, be a friend. 'But I must do everything to convert them!' There is a great sin against ecumenism: proselytism. They are our brothers and sisters.''
I must say that I am extremely glad that the late Canon Michael Culhane and Fr. Bill Bush did not take that attitude when my parents and I were still Protestants. Oh, for sure, they befriended and accompanied us. And they did not put any pressure on us. But, at the same time, they did share with us a clear apologetics on Catholic Truth and the necessity of Christ's Church for salvation.
It often seems, to Francis at least, that the sins against the 6th and 9th Commandments can be nuanced away through the vague application of ''encounter'' and situational ethics, whilst matters which cannot in truth be described as sins at all - that is to say as thoughts and acts which are objective offences against God - are viewed in rigidly black and white terms as SIN.
And so, failures to recycle, or even attempts to fulfill Christ's Great Commission to convert, baptize and teach all people, are now being spoken of as though they were somehow sins.
On the other hand, Amoris Laetitia 303 seems to suggest that God Himself might ask someone, in a particular situation, to do something that is objectively wrong.
By the way, can anyone please explain to me why that is not a very high form of blasphemy? And why, save from signing the odd petition, no cardinals or bishops have made any kind of strong stand against it? Or why Pope Francis has so far ignored the requests of so many good people to clarify that statement to ensure that it is not understood in a blasphemous sense?
The hierarchy have done things behind the scenes, you say?
Well, the problem with that is that Amoris Laetitia is a very public document and many souls are at stake because of the problematic elements which have been broadcast far and wide without public correction.
Give Them Some Air!
Anyone looking for a decent presentation of objective truth, including a splendid critique of the errors of situation ethics, is highly recommended to read Veritatis Splendor.
We also recall a really good source of objective truth that can be found on board all aeroplanes.
Now how does it go?
Oh yes: ''Oxygen and the air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. Keep your mask on until a uniformed crew member advises you to remove it.''
Ah, objective truth: It is clear, logical, unadulterated, life-giving and able to save.
And that's what always makes Catholicism so attractive.
''Flak? Messerschmitts? The Cold? Nah! It's the in-flight interviews that give me sleepless nights!!''
After you on the oxygen, Angie!!! Â
