It is evident that the pastoral practice of the Church cannot stand in opposition to the binding doctrine nor simply ignore it. In the same manner, an architect could perhaps build a most beautiful bridge. However, if he does not pay attention to the laws of structural engineering, he risks the collapse of his construction. In the same manner, every pastoral practice has to follow the Word of God if it does not want to fail. A change of the teaching, of the dogma, is unthinkable. Who nevertheless consciously does it, or insistently demands it, is a heretic – even if he wears the Roman Purple.
(source: Cardinal Brandmüller | LifeSite)
OK, there’s that. It’s true, and worth remembering when so many folks seem to think that the Church should be run by marketing focus groups, hankerings for private revelation, prosthetics to stimulate or simulate quasi-spiritual “passion” and “intimacy,” rather than by real, substantial, manifest union with Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of her faith….
…and then let go of the critique, for a moment, and remember with a grin…
…and in that spirit, read today’s catechesis from the Holy Father:
Modern and contemporary culture has opened up new spaces, new freedoms and new depths for the enrichment and understanding of this difference. But it has also introduced many doubts and much scepticism. I wonder, for example, if so-called gender theory is not an expression of frustration and resignation, that aims to cancel out sexual difference as it is no longer able to face it. Yes, we run the risk of taking step backwards. Indeed, the removal of difference is the problem, not the solution. To solve their problems in relating to each other, men and women must instead speak more, listen more, know each other better, value each other more. They must treat each other with respect and cooperate in friendship. With these human bases, supported by God’s grace, it is possible to plan a lifelong matrimonial and family union. The marriage and family bond is a serious matter for all, not only for believers. I would like to encourage intellectuals not to ignore this theme, as if it were secondary to our efforts to promote a freer and more just society.
(source: VIS news – Holy See Press Office: General audience: the complementarity between man and woman)