That Christianity gives joy and breadth is also a thread that runs through my whole life. Ultimately someone who is always only in opposition could not endure life at all.
Assuredly, the word of truth can be painful and uncomfortable. But it is the way to holiness, to peace, and to inner freedom. A pastoral approach which truly wants to help the people concerned must always be grounded in the truth. In the end, only the truth can be pastoral.
“What is perfection in love? Love your enemies in such a way that you would desire to make them your brothers … For so did He love, Who hanging on the Cross, said ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:34)
A civilization inspired by a consumerist, anti-birth mentality is not and cannot ever be a civilization of love.
Certainly, it is difficult to make the demands of the Gospel understandable to secularized people. But this pastoral difficulty must not lead to compromises with the truth.
Not unsurprisingly, VoxCantoris takes on Bergoglio's decision to change the catechism and claim that the death penalty is "inadmissible". He brings up all of the main points and I can only agree with his conclusion:
We are alone against the cowards. Half of our shepherds are cowards and the others are wolves. May they repent, lest they are damned.
Distinctions Matter
Distinctions Matter Forward
Missale Romanum
Pre-1951 Calendar