57. Politics and the Eucharist – The United States
The extent to which the Church can go in the US is not applicable in Nigeria because the socio-cultural context of each country differs
The extent to which the Church can go in the US is not applicable in Nigeria because the socio-cultural context of each country differs
Expecting our bishops to call out politicians publicly as Pentecostal pastors do is an uneven comparison and unfair to our bishops
If, while exercising his priestly ministry, a priest publicly supports a political party, he alienates himself from his parishioners who are in the opposition.
It is easier to restore an authority based on coercion than moral authority. In other words, once moral authority is lost, it may never be restored.
Be shepherds with ‘the smell of the sheep’…people capable of living, of laughing and crying with your people, in a word, of communicating with them – Pope Francis
As priests and religious, we are trained to be adaptive whilst keeping to Church’s law and fundamental teachings. As we exercise our authority, let us always remember that no two places and people are the same.
As we exercise our duties and make decisions concerning the flock entrusted to us, we should ask ourselves: If Christ was here, what would he do? If Christ was present today, how would he react to this situation?
If Jesus, who called us, accepted that his subordinates could differ, what about us who are simply “Jesus’ errand boys and girls”
If a bishop or superior privately asks us for feedback, it is uncharitable and unchristian to hide the full realities or worse still, lie that everything is perfect when we know they are not.
As Jesus did not take offence, let us not take offence; instead, let’s reflect on them. God speaks to us in varied ways.