We Are Not Equal (What Some Synodal Fathers Forget)

One of the great lies coming from the pulpits and in the institutions of the modern Church seems to be this idea that we are all equal in grace or holiness. We most certainly are not. The Parable of the Talents teaches us this, as well as the pericope in Scripture where Christ corrects the other apostles for wanting to know the future of John.  Even the apostles wanted all the same graces and position in Christ's Kingdom. They questioned Christ as to the role of John, as they could see that he was "the beloved disciple".



John 21:23New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition 

23 So the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

I do not have the same graces as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, for example, and if I desired to be him, I would be committing two serious sins--pride and presumption. St. Peter and St. James were not equal in grace, nor Our Blessed Lady and other saints.

Some of the cardinals want everyone to be the same, with the same grace and life.

This is part of the faulty thinking behind wanting those living in sin to be able to receive Communion. Those who are not in communion with Christ in their lifestyles either have refused grace, recevingin grace sufficient to salvation, but not converting.

Really, it is none of our business to apply these thoughts to certain couples, but to state that a person who has gone through the annulment process is the same as one who has not denies grace. To ignore the discipline of the Church regarding the sanctify of marriage is to deny grace working in people's lives. Are some of the cardinals so cynical or without faith? Perhaps so....

This is my point over and over again in the synod series posted last week. We cannot deny grace or individual responses to grace. To do so denies several teachings of the Catholic Church concerning God's Will, predestination and predilection. To deny the mystery of grace in a person's life actually insults God, Who is not bound by human ideas of equality.

I think of all the women in Jerusalem watching Christ in His horrible suffering on the way to Golgotha. Yet, only one woman responded in compassion, wiping His Face with her veil.

For this bravery and kindness, Christ left the imprint of His Face on her piece of cloth. One woman, one veil, one miracle of grace....

to be continued..