So I'm reading all about Pope Benedict lifting the excommunication from the four bishops at the top of the SSPX schism. It really doesn't matter to me, one way or the other. However, I am confused by one point:
If these bishops are no longer excommunicated, but are still stripped of all ecclesiastical faculties, and yet they continue to celebrate the sacraments in defiance of the Holy See, aren't they basically already self-excommunicated?
I don't get it.
1 comment:
We call priests Father for the nature of their love of us. The same is true of Pope Benedict XVI. He already spanked his little brothers for mouthing off, but like any good gaurdian he has now stayed his hand in the interest of reconciling with his siblings.
I was never whipped perpetually as a kid. Each sunrise held the promise of a fresh start while I was growing up. And so it is with the Pope and his little brothers.
Benedict knows that saying and doing are two different things. And, until the words of the SSPX bishops incite physical action against any Jewish community in any form to any considerable degree, then patience is the better option over excommunication. The virtue of hope is always within the grasp of every man.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
If I completely disassociated myself from everyone that ever ridiculed and abused me, then I would have missed out on the most redemptive and fruitful encounters I've ever had with other human beings.
This situation proves that to, "Love your enemy" is the single most difficult and rewarding charge this side of Heaven. This is the motivation of Pope Benedict XVI.
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