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.
A civilization inspired by a consumerist, anti-birth mentality is not and cannot ever be a civilization of love.
It is sad that there are what you might call professional Catholics who make a living on their Catholicism, but in whom the spring of faith flows only faintly, in a few scattered drops. We must really make an effort to change this.
In proclaiming the faith and in administering the sacraments every priest speaks on behalf of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ.
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.
For all the dialogue that Bergoglio speaks about, he is not opposed to condemnation when it suits his interests, this time threatening to suspend all the priests of a diocese who refuse to regognise the bishop sent to them, appointeed by Pope Benedict in 2012. The man never tires of showing of his hypocrisy.
Distinctions Matter
Distinctions Matter Forward
Missale Romanum
Pre-1951 Calendar